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Scotland has become the first country in the world to provide free and universal access to menstruation products after a four-year campaign that has fundamentally changed the public discourse on menstruation.
The Vintage Products (Free Disposal) Act (Scotland), which passed unanimously to its final stage on Tuesday evening, will place a legal obligation on local authorities to make vintage produce available to all who they need, building on the work of councils like North Ayrshire, which has been providing free tampons and sanitary pads in its public buildings since 2018.
The campaign, bolstered by grassroots support at the national level, was spearheaded by Scottish Labor health spokesperson Monica Lennon, who told The Guardian that this was “a proud day for Scotland.”
Lennon said: “This will make a huge difference in the lives of women and girls and all those who menstruate. There has already been great progress at the community level and through local authorities in giving everyone the opportunity for the dignity of the time.
“There has been a massive change in the way periods are discussed in public life. A few years ago there had never been an open discussion about menstruation in the Holyrood chamber and now it is mainstream. MSPs have enjoyed being a part of that, and it has encompassed menopause, endometriosis, as well as the types of products we use and their sustainability. “
Period poverty – the struggle to pay for basic healthcare products on a monthly basis – has increased during the coronavirus pandemic, according to charities.
Previous research by the Women for Independence grassroots group revealed that nearly one in five women had experienced poverty over a period of time, which has a significant impact on their hygiene, health and well-being. It is estimated that women spend an average of £ 13 a month on menstruation products and several thousand pounds over their lifetime.
The plan, which is estimated to cost around £ 8.7 million a year, will not be resource tested. The Scottish government had initially challenged the universal provision, but changed to join the support of all parties in the debate of the first stage of the bill in February. The SNP had faced increasing pressure from its own activists, as well as from a broad coalition of unions and civil society groups promoted by Lennon.
The legislation will also enshrine in law the requirement for schools, colleges and universities to provide the products free of charge, which was announced by Prime Minister Nicola Sturgeon in 2017. This was then a world first, while the Scottish government it has also funded a project in Aberdeen to deliver free period products to low-income households, as well as another £ 4 million for city councils to continue deployment in other public places.
Meanwhile, a number of individual businesses – restaurants, pubs, and even football clubs – began offering free products independently. It has become increasingly common in Scotland to walk into a ladies room and find free products next to the sinks or with an honesty box.
Lennon said activists around the world have been closely watching progress in Scotland. “It is an important message in the midst of a global pandemic that we can still put the rights of women and girls high on the political agenda.”
