After Students, Everyone In Scotland Will Now Have Free Access To Period Products
Sanitary products were already free for pupils and students, but the bill placed a legal duty on ministers to ensure anyone can get access to them.
Scotland has now become the first country in the world to provide free access to period products to everyone.
Scotland becomes the first country to give free access to period products
Under the Period Products Bill, tampons and sanitary towels must be made available by councils and education providers to anyone who needs them. This bill was first introduced by Labour MSP Monica Lennon back in 2016 to end the period of poverty and she has been rallying to get this done.
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It was unanimously approved by MSPs after winning the support of the Scottish Government and the other opposition parties in Holyrood.
According to the Scottish Government, it has 'invested more than ?27 million to fund access in a range of public settings', and it says 'the new law will cement this progress'.
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According to BBC, Lennon mentioned how this became much more important in the wake of Covid-19. "Periods don't stop for pandemics and the work to improve access to essential tampons, pads and reusables has never been more important," she said.
She said: 'On the issue of period dignity, I am beyond proud that Scotland is leading the way and we have moved at a fast pace in a short space of time.' Her Bill was passed by 121 votes to zero after winning the support of the Scottish Government and the other opposition parties in Holyrood.
?Women, girls and people who menstruate should never face the indignity of period poverty.
¡ª Monica Lennon MSP (@MonicaLennon7) August 14, 2022
???????Proud that we are making period dignity for all a reality.
?Free period products have been widely available in communities ahead of the Act taking full legal effect tomorrow. https://t.co/8Kx3o543cZ
Social Justice Secretary Shona Robison said the new act would help remove socioeconomic barriers, especially in a cost of living crisis. Social Justice Secretary Shona Robison said the new act would help remove socioeconomic barriers, especially in a cost of living crisis.
This country is surely paving the way for betterment.
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Building, coordinating and crafting engaging content for lifestyle brand 'Evolve' at Indiatimes. Successfully revamping the lifestyle section including topics such as mental health, relationships, self, skin care, music etc. I collaborate with experts from various fields to gather insights and create well-structured pieces.
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