Opinion: New Period Products Act is a positive step - but shame that it is needed

In the week when Scotland took a massive step forward to end period poverty, it’s a shame that the appointment of a male to raise awareness of the new act in one region threatened to overshadow all the good work.
Jill Buchanan
By Jill Buchanan
Published 17th Aug 2022, 18:16 BST
Updated 18th Aug 2022, 17:35 BST
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But let’s not detract from the fact that Scotland has become the first country in the world to make period products free for all.

There is now a legal obligation on local authorities to provide free items such as tampons and sanitary pads to “anyone who needs them”.

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There was cross-party support when MSPs unanimously approved the bill which saw the Period Products Act (2022) come into force this week.

Central Scotland MSP Monica Lennon has been campaigning since 2016 to end period poverty. Pic: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty ImagesCentral Scotland MSP Monica Lennon has been campaigning since 2016 to end period poverty. Pic: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images
Central Scotland MSP Monica Lennon has been campaigning since 2016 to end period poverty. Pic: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images
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In pictures: Outtakes! Primary 7 classes of 2022 from Falkirk district schools.

It was introduced by Central Scotland Labour MSP Monica Lennon, who has been campaigning to end period poverty since 2016.

Period poverty is the lack of access to sanitary products due to financial constraints and the embarrassment that this brings to girls and women.

The fact that our politicians worked together to put the new Act into legislation is laudable but isn't it shocking that in the 21st century we need such a law?

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It is estimated the average cost of using sanitary products each month is £8 and as the current cost-of-living crisis shows no sign of abating there may be even more females who find themselves needing to make use of this free service.

Local authorities now have the duty to distribute the free products through their buildings and schools.

Falkirk Council has already implemented the free provision and its latest figures show that in 2021-22 it gave away 745,603 disposable period products, including single use towels and tampons in public buildings and online.

It gave out 4250 re-usable products such as menstrual cups, pads and pants, and had 4934 online orders.

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The products are currently available in 38 council and community locations, including libraries, sports centres and GP surgeries. They are also available in the council’s schools.

By applying online you can receive a three month supply of disposable products and they will be sent directly to the applicant from the supplier, Hey Girls.

Find out more at here

And please don’t feel there is a stigma in applying, making use of the service if needed.

Related topics:ScotlandFalkirk CouncilMSPs