Scotland has made history by becoming the first country in the world to make a law mandating all public settings to have free period and menstrual products.
The law, named the Period Products Act, came into force on Monday and requires councils and education providers to make the free items accessible.
The success of the Period Products Act is due to Labour MSP Monica Lennon who campaigned for it and through her, it was unanimously backed by the Scottish Parliament in 2020.
“Proud of what we have achieved in Scotland. We are the first but won’t be the last,” Monica Lennon, a member of parliament tweeted on Monday.
Since 2017, around 27 million pounds has been spent trying to make menstrual products accessible in public spaces.
“This is another big milestone for period dignity campaigners and grassroots movements which shows the difference that progressive and bold political choices can make,” Ms Lennon said. “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.”
The new legislation will ensure that menstrual products will be available free of cost in public spaces such as community centres, pharmacies, and youth clubs, in line with legislation initially approved by lawmakers in 2020.
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 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.
Period poverty is rife in Africa. According to to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), one in 10 African girls misses school during their periods.
In May, Document Women and Sanitary Aid for Nigerian Girls found in a survey thay 64 per cent of the girls who participated in the study were unable to buy period products because of the price. 5,546 girls had participated from the six geopolitical zones.
An active petition is running, encouraging everyone to support, advocate and join the conversation so we can all End Period Poverty. Sign the petition so our girls have free sanitary products at school!
Sanitary Aid Nigeria, through donations from individuals and partners, have provided over 20,000 girls and young women across 13 states in Nigeria with sanitary hygiene products.
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