In 2020, the Scottish Parliament overwhelmingly adopted the law, which was originally submitted by Labour MSP Monica Lennon.
Scotland will be the first nation in the world to pass a law protecting the right to free menstrual products.
On Monday, when the Period Products Act takes effect, councils and educational institutions in Scotland will be compelled by law to offer free sanitary products to anyone who requires them.
In 2020, the Scottish Parliament overwhelmingly adopted the law, which was originally submitted by Labour MSP Monica Lennon.
Since 2016, Ms. Lennon has been pushing to abolish period poverty and has previously hailed the law as both “realistic” and “advanced.”
She stated, “I’m happy to have pioneered the Period Products Act, which is already affecting positive change in Scotland and around the world.
“Local governments and partner organizations have exerted significant effort to make the legal entitlement to free menstrual products a reality.
“I am grateful to them and the hundreds of others across the country who have participated.
“This is another significant achievement for era dignity activists and grassroots organizations, demonstrating the impact that progressive and courageous political decisions may have.
“As the cost-of-living crisis gains traction, the Period Products Act is a light of hope that demonstrates what can be accomplished when legislators work together for the sake of the people we serve.”
The councils of Scotland will choose the precise arrangements, but they will be required by law to provide “fairly easy” access to a variety of period products for “anyone who requires them.”
Currently, tampons, pads, and some reusable goods are sponsored at Scotland’s schools, colleges, and universities.
Since 2017, around £27 million has been spent on providing public access.
Social Justice Secretary Shona Robison stated that removing financial barriers to getting period products is “essential to equity and dignity.”
Ms. Robison stated, “This is more critical than ever in a time when individuals are making difficult decisions due to the cost of the living problem, and we never want anyone to be unable to obtain period products.”
Since 2018, all of our schools, colleges, and institutions have provided free menstrual products to their students.
She said, “We are pleased to be the world’s first national government to take this move.”
In early 2020, all primary and secondary schools in England provided free menstrual products.
