MSP hails scheme
Free sanitary products for students
Sanitary products are being offered free to students and staff at South Lanarkshire College as part of a “groundbreaking” equality scheme.
Awareness of period poverty and inequalities arising from menstruation has become a prominent issue in Scotland, championed in the Scottish Parliament by MSP and Hamilton North and East Councillor Monica Lennon.
Ms Lennon, who represents the Central Scotland region and is Inequalities Spokesperson for Scottish Labour, commended South Lanarkshire College during questions to Scottish Ministers after principal Stewart Mckillop announced the East Kilbride campus will provide access to free sanitary products.
Products such as pads and tampons have been made available via the students’ association. The college is currently pursuing plans to install free sanitary product dispensers in toilets throughout the college over the course of the year.
Ms Lennon first raised this issue last year after securing support for a cross party debate in Parliament.
She said: “This is a wonderful announcement by South Lanarkshire College. Scotland can lead the world in eradicating period poverty and other inequalities associated with menstruation.
“I hope this will lead others to reflect on the importance and achievability of providing free access to sanitary products.”