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After years of clambering for changes to legislation that would see period products made free to anyone who needs them, Scotland has finally delivered. Two years ago, the country’s Parliament approved a landmark piece of legislation and now, Scotland has announced that period products will be free thanks to an initiative worthy of celebration around the world. 

Monica Lennon first submitted the draft proposal for the Period Products Act in 2020, one that would go on to see Scotland become the first country in the world to provide free sanitary products. Such a feat shouldn’t be underestimated, particularly as it comes as part of a global effort to end “period poverty” and address the lack of access of tampons and sanitary pads that many experience around the world as a result of their high costs. As Lennon suggested in a Tweet, though Scotland might be leading the charge, it “won’t be the last” country to provide free period products. 

In an interview with the New York Times, Lennon expressed: “We are witnessing a massive cultural change, where period stigma is no longer tolerated. There’s more emphasis on menstrual well-being and a renewed focus on tackling medical misogyny.”

“It gives me hope that we won’t be the last country to put access to free period products on the statute books.”

While no such developments are in place in Australia, Northern Ireland is currently considering a similar measure. It’s also reported that New Zealand and Seoul offer free menstrual products in schools. As Shona Robison, Scotland’s social justice secretary, said in a statement: “Providing access to free period products is fundamental to equality and dignity, and removes the financial barriers to accessing them”

She added, “We never want anyone to be in a position where they cannot access period products.”

Under the new ruling, every council in Scotland is required to consult with local communities to determine the best access point for menstrual products. Whether it be at libraries, swimming pools, public gyms, community buildings, town halls, pharmacies or doctors offices, period products will be made available and will be free. It comes after previous legislation ensured tampons and sanitary pads were provided for free in schools, colleges and universities. 

Proud of what we have achieved in Scotland. We are the first but won’t be the last. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🩸🙌#PeriodDignity #FreePeriodProducts #MenstrualJustice follow @Period_Poverty for updates. https://t.co/8bFTML3MkK

As Lennon expressed, when drafting the bill challenges to menstruation were also taken into account, particularly for those experiencing poverty, homelessness, abusive relationships and health conditions. Thanks to an app called PickupMyPeriod, those in Scotland can find the nearest location with free period products, with users able to filter by location. Home delivery will also be available.

It’s certainly a welcome development and one can only hope such legislation arrives to Australia, too. Period poverty is something that greatly affects Australians too, relating not just to access to period products but a lack of access to education about menstrual health and access to toilets or washing facilities, too. Research on period poverty in Australia released in 2021 by Share the Dignity found that more than one in five people who menstruate are “improvising” by using items like toilet paper and socks due to the cost of pads or tampons, according to SBS. 

The survey of more than 125,000 people found that nearly half had also missed at least one day of school because of their period, indicating that period poverty in Australia is a bigger issue than most realise. 

Hobby jogger and pickle enthusiast, Jess is a writer committed to sharing the human stories that lie at the heart of sport. When not staring down the blank page of a word document, you can find her getting a little lost and a little cold out on the trails. Previous work featured in GQ Australia.

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