Scotland became the first country in the world to make sanitary products free on Tuesday. It is the first nation in the world to take a step against period poverty.
As per the new bill, Period Products (Free Provision) Scotland Bill, tampons and sanitary pads will be available free of cost at designated public places such as community centres, youth clubs, and pharmacies.
As per reports, the bill was passed unanimously, and First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon called it “an important policy for women and girls.”
Through a tweet, Sturgeon said, “Proud to vote for this ground-breaking legislation, making Scotland the first country in the world to provide free period products for all who need them. An important policy for women and girls. Well done to @MonicaLennon7@ClydesdAileen and all who worked to make it happen”.
Proud to vote for this groundbreaking legislation, making Scotland the first country in the world to provide free period products for all who need them. An important policy for women and girls. Well done to @MonicaLennon7 @ClydesdAileen and all who worked to make it happen https://t.co/4lckZ4ZYIY
— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) November 24, 2020
The bill’s proposer, Scottish Labour MP Monica Lennon, said, “No one should have to worry about where their next tampon, pad or reusable is coming from. Scotland will not be the last country to consign period poverty to history, but we have the chance to be the first.”
Scotland won’t be the last country to consign period poverty to history – but we are the first. Well done @MonicaLennon7 #perioddignity #worldfirst #periodproducts pic.twitter.com/4Er2vun6HJ
— Scottish Labour (@scottishlabour) November 24, 2020
It is noted that, in 2018, Scotland became the first country to provide free sanitary products in schools, colleges, and universities.