Scotland Makes History With A New Law Protecting Access to Free Period Products
Scotland is the first country in the world to make history after approving that it will provide period products available to all.
Leah Mukangai 
From the directive, local governments will now be required by law to provide free tampons and sanitary pads to "anyone who needs them."
As the Period Products Act takes effect, products will be distributed through councils and educational institutions.
In November 2020, MSPs unanimously approved the Period Products (Free Provision) (Scotland) Bill.
Labour MSP Monica Lennon, who has been campaigning to end period poverty since 2016, introduced the bill.
"Local authorities and partner organizations have worked hard to make the legal right to access free period products a reality. "This is another big milestone for period dignity campaigners and grassroots movements which shows the difference that progressive and bold political choices can make," Monica stated.
"As the cost-of-living crisis takes hold, the Period Products Act is a beacon of hope which shows what can be achieved when politicians come together for the good of the people we serve," she added.
The Period Products (Free Provision) (Scotland) Bill imposes a legal obligation on local governments to ensure that anyone in need of period products can get them for free.
Period products. PHOTO FILE
It will be up to the country's 32 councils to determine what practical arrangements are put in place, but they must provide "anyone who needs them" with "reasonably easy" and "reasonable dignity" access to various types of period products.
The law is one of several initiatives aimed at combating period poverty in Scotland, which has certain devolved powers from the UK government.
The 5% VAT rate on menstrual products was abolished in the United Kingdom in January 2021. In addition, England launched a program in 2019 to provide free sanitary products in schools.
Only a few countries, including Canada, India, Australia, Kenya, and several US states, have no tax on sanitary products.
Germany voted last year to lower the tax rate on feminine hygiene products, deeming them a daily necessity rather than a luxury.
