Scotland first in the world to provide free period products

The legislation, unanimously approved by the Scottish Parliament back in 2020, will provide free period products to over two million women.

The Period Products Act is now in place, legally requiring education and council providers to ensure free sanitary products in Scotland. 

The bill was introduced by Labour MSP Monica Lennon, who said: “Local authorities and partner organisations have worked hard to make the legal right to access free period products a reality.

“This is another big milestone for period dignity campaigners and grassroots movements which shows the difference that progressive and bold political choices can make. 

“As the cost-of-living crisis takes hold, the Period Product Act is a beacon of hope which shows what can be achieved when politicians come together for the good of the people we serve.”

What is period poverty?

A 2021 survey of 2,000 American women aged 18-55 found that 49 per cent have faced a lack of access to sanitary products, menstrual hygiene education, toilets, hand washing and/or waste management.

The same study found that 72 per cent of respondents thought the government should mandate free menstrual products for everyone.

Period poverty is the lack of access to sanity products due to financial constraints which can be caused by a wide range of life events. 

Social justice secretary Shona Robison said: “This is more important than ever at a time when people are making difficult choices due to the cost of living crisis and we never want anyone to be in a position where they cannot access period products.

“Since 2018, we have delivered ground-breaking action by providing free period products for pupils and students in all our schools, colleges and universities.”

Since 2017, around £27 million has been spent to provide period products access in public settings. These include schools, colleges and universities in Scotland.

“We are proud to be the first national government in the world to take such action,” added Ms Robison.