WONDER WOMEN
Lennon and Sturgeon named by Vogue in influential world list
An MSP has been named by Vogue as one of the top 12 woman leaders who changed the world this year.
L a b ou r ’ s Mon i c a Lennon – whose period poverty campaign made history – is on a list that includes New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern and US vice-president elect Kamala Harris.
Fashion bible Vogue said: “Whether guiding a nation with a steady hand or rising up against injustice, these leaders offer a glimpse of how to make progress under difficult circumstances.” Scottish Labour’s health spokeswoman Lennon, 39, shared the No10 spot alongside First Minister Nicola Sturgeon after Scotland became the first country to make sanitary products free. Vogue said: “Hal f of the world ’ s population menstruates. And yet almost no society has come to grips with the fact sanitary products such as pads and tampons are as essential as toilet paper.
“That changed when, thanks to Monica Lennon and Nicol a Sturgeon, Scotland became the first nation in the world to make sanitary products free.
“Lennon has long been a champion against period poverty that leaves too many people unable to afford the basic products they need to menstruate with dignity.”
Vogue’s list also includes German chancellor Angela Merkel.
While Ardern made the top spot – thanks to her handl ing of Cov id- 19 and also selecting New Zealand’s diverse Cabinet – Merkel was runner-up for taking in almost 3000 refugees, prompting other EU nations to do the same.
Lennon and Sturgeon pipped Finnish PM Sanna Mar in and Ecuador’s Waorani indigenous leader Nemonte Nenquimo into the top 10.
Lennon said: “The Period Products Bill will ensure no one in Scotland has to face the indignity of period poverty ever again.
“It is already influencing politicians and campaigners around the world and I am thrilled to be collaborating with many of them.
“We still have a long way to go to achieve equal ity for al l women and girls but it’s humbling that free period products l eg i s lat ion has been recognised as an important p a r t of tha t journey.”