Scotland Becomes The First Country Ever To Make Period Products Free

Scotland has become the first country to make menstrual products free for all. The country passed the Period Products (Free Provision) (Scotland) Act.

Image (Twitter/Monica Lennon)

New Delhi: After a four-year campaign, Scotland becomes the first country to make period products free for all. On Tuesday evening, the historical Period Products (Free Provision) (Scotland) Act was unanimously passed through its final stage. After a four-year-long campaign, the bill was passed unanimously through its final stage. The campaign received nationwide grassroots support was spearheaded by Scottish Labour’s health spokeswoman, Monica Lennon. According to The Guardian, Lennon said: “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. There has been a massive change in the way that periods are discussed in public life. A few years ago there had never been an open discussion of menstruation in the Holyrood chamber and now it is mainstream. MSPs have enjoyed being a part of that, and it has encompassed the menopause, endometriosis, as well as the types of products we use and their sustainability.” In research quoted by The Guardian conducted by the grassroots group, Women for Independence revealed that nearly one in five women had experienced period poverty, which has a significant impact on their hygiene, health, and wellbeing. Women are estimated to spend an average of £13 a month on period products and several thousand pounds over a lifetime. In 2018, India scrapped its 12 percent tax on all sanitary products. Other countries like Australia, Canada, Ireland, and South Africa also abolished all sales tax on sanitary napkins and tampons. Also Check: