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Scotland becomes the first country to offer all period products free of charge

Scotland becomes the first country to offer all period products free of charge

This includes tampons, sanitary pads and other menstrual products.
17 Aug, 2022

Two years after its legislation to make all menstrual products free of cost was passed, Scotland has become the first country in the world to offer period products free of charge.

According to the New York Times, this initiative is part of a global effort to end period poverty, which is a lack of access to tampons or sanitary pads due to high product costs. Monica Lennon, the lawmaker who had a hand in the Period Products Act, tweeted that this is just the beginning. Scotland might be “the first but won’t be the last” country to provide free period products.

“We are witnessing a massive culture change, where period stigma is no longer being tolerated,” Lennon said in an email to New York Times. “There’s more emphasis on menstrual well-being and a renewed focus on tackling medical misogyny.”

This historic change has already started inspiring others — Northern Ireland is considering a similar measure. There are other nations that have taken steps towards the same goal — New Zealand and Seoul offer free menstrual products in schools. “It gives me hope that we won’t be the last country to put access to free period products on the statute books,” Lennon said.

Shona Robison, Scotland’s social justice secretary, called free access to the products “fundamental to equality and dignity”. According to her, it removes the “financial barriers” to accessing them. “The cost of living is rising and many are making difficult choices. We never want anyone to be in a position where they cannot access period products,” she added.

In her email, Lennon said that period products would be available at public places such as libraries, swimming pools, public gyms, community buildings, town halls, pharmacies and doctors offices. The nearest location of the free products can be tracked using an app called PickupMyPeriod. It allows users to filter which products are available and how to find them at the location. Home delivery is also an option.

Comments

bhaRAT© Aug 17, 2022 05:13pm
Nice. But only rich countries can afford to do this.
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Hidsight Aug 17, 2022 05:15pm
All because money is taken from England.
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Javaria Aug 17, 2022 05:26pm
A revolution for women. Non discriminatory access to menstrual sanitary products is a fundamental right and an essential duty of the state to uphold the dignity of its female citizens.
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NYS Aug 17, 2022 06:27pm
Deserves acclamation ! the process was under went from two years back now officially announced ... Positive gesture towards feminism ... Procedure is not well defined that other can emmulate
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Loan seekers Aug 17, 2022 08:26pm
At least taxes can be abolished on these items if not free.
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Suman Aug 17, 2022 10:32pm
Since when did Scotland become a country?
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Random Indian Aug 17, 2022 11:13pm
@Suman Since the time the Bloomberg writer had the finest product of Scotland.
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M. Emad Aug 18, 2022 12:34am
Many Pakistanis live in Scotland.
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Tamilselvan Aug 18, 2022 02:53am
At least it must be sold tax free in other countries l
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Vineeth Aug 18, 2022 04:10am
@Suman Scotland is considered a "country" within UK with substantial autonomy, and an option to secede from the United Kingdom should its people desire to do so.
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LOL Aug 18, 2022 04:55am
What about toilet papers.
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Ahmed Aug 18, 2022 05:12am
So all the citizens pay for this? The production of these cost money. Where will that money come from? Will they give water and gas free aswell? They should. This is stupid. What they should do is not tax these products. Let companies make these, make a profit and research for better products. Otherwise this particular product's quality won't increase ever.
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Reg Aug 18, 2022 05:30am
Scotland is a country is that what you guys preach in Pakistan? Queen's always blesses Scottish people in her prayers.
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Henchi Aug 18, 2022 06:11am
Bet you, this will be selling in Pakistan store very soon.
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Saniaa Aug 18, 2022 06:56am
Now Pakistan immigration to Scotland will show an increase
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Sidhu Aug 18, 2022 08:31am
@LOL Rupee is cheaper.
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abu talib Aug 18, 2022 03:07pm
Good beginning
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