Scotland Becomes First Country In World To Provide Free Period Products

Scotland is now the first country to require public establishments to provide free menstruation hygiene products. The country had passed Period Products (Free Provision) bill in November 2020, following which the law came into effect two years later on Monday.

This makes Scotland the first country to provide free and universal access to period products to everyone. Authorities in the country are now legally mandated to ensure that period products are available to anyone who needs them.

The Scottish parliament has implemented the Period Products (Free Provision) Act, for which a bill was passed in November 2020.

The Period Products Act, which was unanimously approved by members of the Scottish Parliament, will cement the progress the nation made in ensuring free access to period products and applies to all schools, colleges, universities, and other public facilities.

Scotland Free Period Products: All You Need To Know

In addition, the government will also provide funding for an educational website for employers, an anti-stigma campaign, and improved menstrual health resources.

The Scottish government launched the social enterprise “Hey Girls” which created the PickupMyPeriod mobile application. Using the PickupMyPeriod app, people in need of free period products can find the nearest collection point.

Schools, colleges, and institutions are also required to provide a variety of sanitary products in restrooms.

Member of the Scottish Parliament Monica Lennon, the force behind the campaign to end period poverty in the country, spoke on the Period Products (Free Provision) Act and said, “Local authorities and partner organisations have worked hard to make the legal right to access free period products a reality.”

She further added that this was another big milestone for period dignity campaigners and grassroots movements which shows the difference that progressive and bold political choices can make. According to her, "As the cost-of-living crisis takes hold, the Period Products Act is a beacon of hope which shows what can be achieved when politicians come together for the good of the people we serve."

The Social Justice Secretary of Scotland Shona Robinson too hailed the new Act and said, “Providing access to free period products is fundamental to equality and dignity and removes the financial barriers to accessing them”. Robinson added that she was proud to be the first national government in the world to take such action.

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