The Scottish government is facing backlash from the public after a man was appointed as one of Scotland’s “period dignity officers’”.
Jason Grant, a former personal trainer, has been given the job of promoting access to free sanitary products in schools and discussing issues around the menopause after Scotland became the first country in the world to provide free menstrual products.
Mr Grant is to oversee the programme across the Tay region of Scotland as part of the Period Dignity Working Group, which has representatives from Dundee and Angus College, Perth College, Angus Council and Dundee City Council.
“I think being a man will help me to break down barriers, reduce stigma and encourage more open discussions. Although affecting women directly, periods are an issue for everyone”, iNews quoted Mr Grant as saying. “We’ll also raise awareness of the menopause, which, although a natural process for women, has wider repercussions in the world of work and family.”
A spokesperson for the Period Dignity Working Group told the newspaper that Mr Grant was the strongest candidate for the role, adding: “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.”
“I think it is important that we do have officers in place to ensure that women are supported as much as they should be,” SNP leader Ian Blackford said, agreeing that the position would have been better suited to a woman. “I think it is important we get the policy right, that we implement it, and that as a principle it would be far better that women are in these posts rather than anyone else.”
The BBC quotes Susan Dalgety, a newspaper columnist and women’s rights campaigner, as saying: “I have no idea why anyone thought it was a good idea to appoint a bloke.”
Tennis legend Martina Navratilova described it as “absurd”, while actress Frances Barber said she was “fuming”.
Mr Grant’s appointment comes after Scotland’s Period Products Act came into force on Monday, mandating councils and education providers to make the free menstrual products accessible.
A mobile phone app also helps people find the nearest place where they can pick up period products.
“Providing access to free period products is fundamental to equality and dignity, and removes the financial barriers to accessing them,” Scottish Social Justice Secretary Shona Robison had said.
The move from Scotland comes as more attention is drawn to combat period poverty, a situation when people are unable to access feminine hygiene products due to high costs.
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