A bill unanimously approved by MSPs in November 2020 has come into effect, making Scotland the first country in the world to offer free period products to anyone who needs them.
The Period Products (Free Provision) (Scotland) Bill places a legal duty on local authorities in Scotland to make free pads and tampons available to all.
The bill was introduced in April 2019 by Monica Lennon MSP to tackle period poverty. “She sees these products as a basic necessity and believes that providing access to them is important for people’s dignity,” states The Scottish Parliament website.
Now the bill has become and Act, passed by a vote of 121, with no objections or abstentions.
Women, girls and people who menstruate should never face the indignity of period poverty
“Local authorities and partner organizations have worked hard to make the legal right to access free period products a reality,” comments Lennon. “This is another big milestone for period dignity campaigners and grassroots movements which shows the difference that progressive and bold political choices can make.
“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.”
On 14 August, a day ahead of the bill becoming law, Lennon took to Twitter: “Women, girls and people who menstruate should never face the indignity of period poverty.” The MSP said she was ‘proud that we are making period dignity’ a reality for all.
Changing the culture
The issue of ‘period dignity’ has again made headlines today, as the decision to appoint a man in the role of period dignity officer sparked controversy.
The successful candidate, Jason Grant, will work with the Tayside period dignity working group to implement the free period products scheme, and lead a regional campaign in schools, colleges and the wider community to spread awareness of the new law – but critics believe the role should have been given to a women.
By changing the culture … we look forward to supporting the delivery of this important work
Susan Dalgety, women’s rights campaigner and newspaper columnist, Tweeted: “I have no idea why anyone thought it was a good idea to appoint a bloke as the country’s first period dignity officer (terrible job title).” Tennis star Martina Navratilova called the decision ‘absurd’, while actress Frances Barber says she is ‘fuming’.
A spokesperson for the period dignity working group defended the move, explaining: “The role builds on some fantastic work which has been gathering speed across the Tay region for several years, led by a passionate group of people of all genders, ages and backgrounds. By changing the culture, encouraging debate and removing the stigma around periods, we look forward to supporting the delivery of this important work across the region.”
