In a world first, Scotland is offering free period products to anyone who needs them as part of the Period Products (Free Provision) (Scotland) Act that came into effect on 15 August.
This comes following “ground-breaking action” in 2018, which saw the provision of free period products for pupils and students in schools, colleges, and universities across the country.
“We are proud to be the first national government in the world to take such action,” Social Justice Secretary Shona Robison said.
“Providing access to free period products is fundamental to equality and dignity and removes the financial barriers to accessing them.”
At a time when the cost of living is skyrocketing, Ms Robison says providing free access to period products “is more important than ever”.
“We never want anyone to be in a position where they cannot access period product,” she said.
In addition to providing free period products, the country has also funded an educational website for employers around period stigma, run an anti-stigma campaign and improved menstrual health resources available in schools.
“The work we are doing in Scotland continues to be world-leading, going beyond the provision of free products,” Ms Robison said.
Ending period poverty at home
Australia is also in the fight to end period poverty with organisations such as ‘Share the Dignity’ and ‘End Period Poverty, Period’ helping communities access menstrual health products.
A 2021 survey of more than 125,000 Australians by Share the Dignity, the ‘Period Pride report’, found that 1 in 5 (22%) people who menstruate have had to “improvise on period products due to the cost”.
The survey found that 49% of respondents reported wearing a period product (pad or tampon) for more than four hours due to not having enough products to get by.
“Nobody should have to worry about how they are going to manage their period,” states the End Period Poverty, Period website.
“Everyone has the right to access to adequate hygiene products.”
To learn more about how your pharmacy can help in the fight against period poverty, visit:
