As of November 2020 Scotland has become the first country in the world to supply free sanitary products to “anyone who needs them” after Labour MSP Monica Lennon’s 4 year campaign. This is a “practical and progressive” step towards ending period poverty which has become exceedingly necessary during the coronavirus pandemic.
This change has been needed for an incredibly long time and although global governments have seriously struggled to see sanitary products as an important area to subsidise, likely because of the stigma surrounding periods and male political leaders delaying progress as it doesn’t directly affect them. Women’s inability to afford necessary products has hindered their ability to work, access education and conduct everyday activities throughout their lifetimes.
The distribution of free condoms has been common in countries across the world for years now and although this is an important step in sexual health, it is fundamentally absurd that products that have to be used by women every month are still being sold and taxed as luxury goods in these same countries.
Although other countries are trying, England and the US are providing free period products in schools from January 2020, there is still a long way to go before truly eradicating period poverty.
Written by Pippa Seager
Artwork by Delicia P
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