Call for education bosses to put free sanitary products in schools

launching a six-month pilot scheme in Aberdeen to provide free sanitary items for women and girls in low-income households.

And earlier this month North Lanarkshire council agreed a trial which result in sanitary products being distributed in all secondary schools.

Ms Siddique said: “I have written the director of education requesting consideration that free dispensing machines be installed in Glasgow schools and stocked with a range of sanitary products.

“Access to sanitary prod- ucts should be a basic right. It is important a dignified and practical solution is provided because it is unacceptable anyone should be unable to access what is an essential item. It is time for Glasgow City Council to take action.”

City council leader Susan Aitken steps were being taken to ensure period poverty in schools will be ended as soon as possible.

She added: “Having to miss school, college or university because you can’t afford sanitary products is against a women’s human right to access education.

“The announcement from the Scottish Government will put a stop to this and means any girl in our schools – regardless of their personal circumstances – will never have to suffer the stigma of this again. We will now work with partners to ensure that we can implement in our schools as quickly as possible.”

Last week Glasgow Airport revealed it is to provide free sanitary products. The airport said that as part of the trial free tampons and pads would be available in toilets in the main check-in hall as well as domestic and international arrivals.