A law has come into force in Scotland that guarantees the free availability of menstrual products to those who need them. The Scottish government has announced that it is the first in the world to legally protect the right to free access to menstrual products with the enactment of the Period Products Act. Under the new law, schools, colleges and universities, as well as local authorities, must provide a range of menstrual products, such as sanitary pads, free of charge in their bathrooms. The Scottish government had already invested millions of pounds before 2017 to finance the free supply of menstrual products in educational establishments, but it is now a legal requirement.
A mobile application helps people find the nearest location, such as a local library or community center, where they can pick up their menstrual products. Scottish Social Justice Secretary Shona Robison said: “Providing access to free menstrual products is critical to equality and dignity, and removing the financial barriers that prevent access to such products.” “This is more important than ever when people are making difficult choices due to cost of life crises and we never want anyone to be in a situation where they can’t access menstrual products.”
The bill, which was passed unanimously in 2020, was introduced by Scottish Parliament legislator Monica Lennon, who campaigned against “menstrual poverty”. Lennon tweeted: “We are proud of what we have achieved in Scotland. We are the first but we will not be the last ยป. Last year, the New Zealand government said that all schools in the country were schools due to menstrual poverty The dropout will offer free menstrual products as part of an initiative to help students from poor families.
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