Scotland set to be first country to eliminate period poverty

Scotland has become the first countr y in the world to pass l e g i s l a t i o n m a k i n g p e r i o d products freely available to all.

T h e S c o t t i s h P a r l i a m e n t unanimously approved a bill brought for ward by Labour health spokeswoman Monica Lennon, bringing in legal right of free access to items such as tampons and sanitary pads.

Ms L e n n o n s a i d t h e Pe r i - od Products (Free Provision) (Scotland) Bill was a “practical and progressive” piece of legislation, made all the more vital because of the coronavirus pandemic.

She said: “Periods don't stop for pandemics and the work to improve access to essential tampons, pads and reusables has never been more important.”

The Labour MSP has been working to tackle period povert y since she was elected to Holyrood in 2016.

S h e s a i d : “On t h e i s s u e o f period dignit y, I am beyond proud that Scotland is leading the way and we have moved at a fast pace in a short space of time.”

Ms Lennon told MSPS: “We have got here because we have wo r k e d t o g e t h e r. We h ave shown that this Parliament can be a force for progressive change when we collaborate.

“Our prize is the opportunity to consign period poverty to history. In these dark times we can bring light and hope to the world this evening.”

Her bill was passed by 121 votes to zero after winning the suppor t of the S cottish Government and the other opposition parties in Holyrood.

Scotland's Communities Secretary Aileen Campbell hailed the passing of the legislation as a “significant moment for gender equality”.

She said it was a "great privilege to be here today on a day that we will commit to S cotland becoming the first country in the world to legislate to ensure that free period products are available to all who need them”.

Rose Caldwell, chief executive of the charity Plan International UK, said: “In making this world-first commitment, the Scottish Government has shown itself to be a pioneer in tackling period poverty, and we hope that nations around the world will follow its lead.

£With this landmark legislation, S cotland could so on become the first country in the world to eliminate period poverty once and for all, and the need has never been greater.

“This new law will help to ensure that no girl or woman in Scotland struggles to afford period products.”