Scotland is taking another step towards tackling menstrual insecurity. The British country has just voted for free periodical protection. It is the first country in the world to pass such a law. Adopted unanimously, it will allow many women to experience menstruation slightly less distressing.
On November 24, the 121 members of the Scottish Local Parliament voted unanimously for free hygiene protection. Prime Minister Nicola Sturgeon shared on Twitter her “Pride in having voted for this revolutionary law”.
Proud to vote for this groundbreaking legislation, making Scotland the first country in the world to provide free period products for all who need them. An important policy for women and girls. Well done to @ MonicaLennon7 @ClydesdAileen and all who worked to make it happen https://t.co/4lckZ4ZYIY
– Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) November 24, 2020
Concretely, how will it happen? The legislation provides for the government to allow anyone in need of tampons or pads anywhere in Scotland to get them free of charge. The protections must therefore be available in public buildings, such as schools, colleges, high schools and universities, as well as any other public building. The local authorities, that is the 32 councils of the country, will have to ensure that the protections are distributed free of charge. However, they will not be offered for free in supermarkets.
MP Monica Lennon is behind this campaign. Supported by a large coalition of charities, women’s organizations and unions, she thanked on Twitter “ everyone who campaigned As well as the parliamentarians who approved the text. She clarified: “This is a proud day for Scotland and a signal to the world that it is possible to implement free universal access to periodic protection. “
Plan International UK charity chief executive Rose Caldwell hails role “Pioneer” of Scotland. She stressed the importance of this law and explained that a ” toxic threesome »Causes menstrual insecurity: the “Cost of hygienic protections”, the ” lack of education “ and the “Period stigma and shame”. A 2017 survey of this NGO had pointed out that, out of 1,000 women and girls aged 14 to 24 in the United Kingdom, one in 10 could not buy periodic protection, because of too limited financial means. In France, an experiment is currently being carried out on free hygienic protection in several middle and high schools.