It’s official: Scotland is the first country to pass the ground-breaking and hopefully trend-setting legislation, The Period Products (Free Provision) (Scotland) Act, which provides free pads and tampons to those in need.
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After being introduced by Parliament member Monica Lennon, the four-year-long campaign was successful in the effort to end period poverty. omen who are unable to afford their required sanitary items will no longer struggle or go without.
Upon announcement of the news, Lennon tweeted “A proud day for Scotland and a signal to the world that free universal access to period products can be achieved”.
An initiative that is estimated to cost $43 million AUD annually, Lennon stated to The Guardian that the positive impact this will have on the women and girls far outweighs any potential financial burden.
“This will make a massive difference to the lives of women and girls and everyone who menstruates. There has already been great progress at a community level and through local authorities in giving everyone the chance of period dignity.”
Meanwhile, in Australia, Victoria has taken similar steps by providing free sanitary products in public schools across the state. Here’s hoping the rest of the country will follow suit soon…
Main image credit: GettyWhat do you think about this? Do you think Australia will follow suit?
This should be a world wide initiative especially for economically disadvantaged people.
I think it will be very well received by most women. My daughters school had a supply of pads if a student was ‘caught out’ and didn’t have any sanitary protection with them on a school day,
Good. I prefer cup.
I didn’t know this was in place in Victoria. It’s a great initiative! Homeless women are the ones most in need: I hope a similar venture is started to address their needs.
What a great initiative!
Awesome! Pads and tampons are ridiculously expensive.
Good on Scotland for thinking of its Women young and older who really need these products.
That is so good
Well done Scotland.
Wow good for them! Other countries need to follow
Great work – these aren’t cheap (buying for myself and 2 daughters at one time) and it must be terrible for those who cannot afford to buy these essential products – you can’t go without.
A fabulous idea. And, also bravo to Victoria for their public schools’ scheme.
Good initiative, something so small that will benefit so many women
I cheered when I heard this on TV this week. I agree it is a GREAT idea.
I read this the other day and thrilled for them. I wish the rest of the world leaders take notice and adopt the same.
The rest of the world needs to do this too.
I wonder how they will roll this out
Go scotland! Such a great program! It’s sad to think how many menstruating women go without
Great work!
This is a really good idea
Such a good idea. They are expensive and a necessity unless you use a menstrual cup. My friend lives in London and she said the pill is free there.
Excellent idea keep up the good work.
And so they should be!! Well, at least they should be a whole bunch cheaper!!
Well done Scotland! Hopefully other countries follow suit.
Such an important step towards ending period poverty.
The Melbourne Period Project raises funds to assist homeless women with hygiene products.
Great news. Wonder which countries will follow suit
Very interesting, what a good initiative!
I think this is wonderful and will make such a difference.
Wow!
That will save a lot of money.
It’s great. This is a part of life for women and having access to it for free is wonderful especially to communities who are in dire financial situations. Everyone should have the right to clean sanity products.
A great iniatiive foe those in need .
Exactly. Hopefully other countries follow suit.
Good on them
thats great to hear