Scotland Is The First Country To Make Period Products Free
After nearly four years of pushing to fight period poverty in the country, Scotland has become the first country in the world to pass a Bill to provide free sanitary products to those who need them.
Since 2016, Scottish Parliament have been prioritising supporting those who struggle to afford period products, looking for solutions to be able to offer free pads and tampons to people who can’t otherwise afford them.
The latest Bill – Period Products (Free Provision) (Scotland) Bill – had won the overwhelming support of the Scottish Government and was passed by 121 votes to zero, its unanimous approval of the legislation means that there will be a legal right of free access to sanitary items in Scotland. Introduced by Labour health spokesperson and MSP Monica Lennon, the Bill supported the belief that sanitary products are basic necessities, and that with offering free products to those who need them, comes the dignity that they deserve when it comes to their periods. The Bill backed Scotland’s previous efforts to eradicate period poverty in low-income areas, and urged that such efforts should be made a legal requirement.
According to its overview, the following applies under the Bill:
• the Scottish Government must set up a Scotland-wide scheme to allow anyone who needs period products to get them free of charge
• schools, colleges and universities must make a range of period products available for free, in their toilets
• the Scottish Government will have the power to make other public bodies provide period products for free
In addition to making products freely available, the Bill also seeks to eradicate stigma around periods and the impact that periods have on children’s education, and the general attitude towards menstruation.
As of yesterday, the Bill held its Stage 3 proceedings, which covers any further changes to the Bill and its final vote – the last stage before a Bill is made law. Introduced in April 2019, it has taken just over 18 months to pass. You can view the Bill as passed here.
MSP Monica Lennon said “This is a bold and ground-breaking piece of legislation. I hope it will inspire other countries to follow our lead and normalise the notion that period poverty just isn’t acceptable. No girl or woman should have to worry about being able to afford or have access to period products.”
Speaking about the period poverty proposals of Scotland’s global counterparts, MSP Lennon added, ”There have been great initiatives in other parts of the world where different regions or sectors have taken action, but this legislation is comprehensive. It will tackle provision within education settings but also ensure that all women can access products if they need them, no matter where they are.”
Expectations of provisions are detailed in the Bill, including local authorities, education providers, and public service bodies. It’s hoped that when the legislation comes into action, the concept of menstruation will be normalised and the societal shame around it will be quashed.
“It really shouldn’t be a big deal,” MSP Lennon said. “When you go into the toilet, you expect toilet paper to be there and you should be able to expect period products as well.”
We couldn’t agree more! Congratulations, Scotland – here’s hoping more governments follow in your footsteps!
Photo credit: Annika Gordon
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