Scotland has become the first country in the world to provide free period products for all, paving the way to reduce period poverty and remove the taboo surrounding menstruation.
The Period Products (Free Provision) (Scotland) Act passed unanimously through its final stage on Tuesday evening, despite initial fears that the cost could exceed the estimated £9.7 million per annum.
The Act is the result of four-year, nationwide campaign, headed by Scottish Labour’s health spokesperson, Monica Lennon, to make period products available for all who require them.
Lennon stated that her principal goal was to address period poverty, which in 2018 saw ten per cent of people in Scotland unable to pay for the products they needed.
Period poverty is a relevant and growing concern in Scotland.
Scottish government statistics show that since the recession of 2008 relative poverty levels in Scotland have been gradually increasing, with 19% of Scotland living in poverty between 2014-17.
The Covid-19 crisis has only worsened fears that poverty will be exacerbated as a result of a drop in income and mass unemployment on a scale not seen since the early nineties.
This concern is reflected in the Trussell Trust’s forecast that this winter six emergency food parcels will be given out roughly every minute.
This is not the first time that Scotland has pioneered the way in ending period poverty, with it being the first country to provide free period products in schools and colleges in 2018.
However, with the pandemic forcing educational institutions to close for months on end earlier this year, for many with periods their access to these products was obstructed.
The act will ensure that period products are obtainable for all, regardless of their location, age, or economic and educational status.
Speaking to The Student about the decision, University of Edinburgh student Colby Abomnes, stated:
“This is a momentous moment for Scotland and for all those affected by period poverty.
“I hope that this act will encourage other nations to follow suit and stand as a reminder that more still needs to be done to tackle inequalities and promote reproductive rights.”
Scotland’s ground-breaking progress comes in light of the chancellor Rishi Sunak’s announcement in March this year that the tampon tax will be scrapped on all sanitary products from January 2021.
Whilst the chancellor’s first ever budget announcement did not exceed Scotland’s historic act, we can see positive movement away from the taboo that arguably still surrounds menstruation.
In 2015, sanitary wear was taxed at a 5% rate, being classed as a non-essential, luxury item.
On the contrary, Jaffa Cakes, toffee apples and edible sugar flowers were amongst the items not taxed, being considered essential products.
Scottish first minister, Nicola Sturgeon, offered her support for the bill in a congratulatory tweet.
She wrote: “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.
“Well done to Monica Lennon, Aileen Campbell, and all who worked to make it happen.”
The unanimous support in passing the bill highlights the progressive change being made in providing period dignity and in reducing inequalities in Scotland.
Image: Wikimedia Commons