– This is nothing short of a small revolution that has already been announced in 2020: from Monday, menstrual articles will be available free of charge to city administrations and educational institutions in Scotland.
Highlands, men with skirts and bagpipes – that’s what many associate with Scotland. Now the kingdom in the far north of the United Kingdom is expanding its repertoire with another major product: menstrual items. More precisely: free menstrual items.
fundamental to equality and dignity
About two years ago, the Scottish Parliament made an important decision: tampons and pads should be provided free of charge to all women in the country. Keep in mind, the people’s representatives unanimously voted for the regulation. In a statement on Sunday, Shona Robison, the Scottish Minister of Social Justice, described the law, which will come into force on Monday, 15.08.22, as “fundamental to equality and dignity”. Therefore city administrations and educational institutions are bound by deadlines to make menstrual articles available to all who need them.
“It shows what can be done” says @MonicaLennon7 https://t.co/5GlBYogAb8
— WestSoundNews (@WestSoundNews) 14 August 2022
Unique symbol around the world
In most states, menstrual hygiene products are taxed to a greater or lesser extent. In Germany too, the tax rate on tampons and sanitary napkins is now 7 percent, not 19 percent. Scotland, on the other hand, is the first and only country to offer menstrual products completely free of charge.
The law was mentioned in a report by Representative Monica Lennon. SZ As “a milestone on the path to normalizing menstruation in Scotland” and sending a signal to “how seriously Parliament takes gender equality”. His colleague Alison Johnstone also said that it is “neither just nor fair” to financially punish someone for a natural bodily act. With “The Period Products (Free Provision) (Scotland) Act 2021”, Scotland is taking a leading position that is unparalleled in the world.
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