Scotland becomes first nation to guarantee access to free-period products

Edinburgh: Following the passage of historic legislation in 2020, Scotland will on Monday become the first nation in the world to guarantee universal access to free period products.

Councils and educational institutions will be legally obligated to supply free period products to anyone who needs them, according to a statement released by the Scottish government on Sunday.

"Providing access to free period products is fundamental to equality and dignity, and removes the financial barriers to accessing them," said Social Justice Secretary Shona Robison.

"We are proud to be the first national government in the world to take such action," she added.

In November 2020, the Period Products Bill, which established free access to sanitary products in public buildings as a constitutional right, was approved by the Scottish Parliament with a unanimous majority, AFP reported.

Sanitary goods were already provided without charge to students and teachers, but the measure gave ministers the responsibility of making sure that everyone has access to them.

Additionally, a variety of period products must be made freely available in restrooms at all schools, colleges, and universities.

Nicola Sturgeon, the first minister of Scotland, at the time, applauded the move.

"Proud to vote for this groundbreaking legislation, making Scotland the first country in the world to provide free period products for all who need them," she wrote on her Twitter account.

"An important policy for women and girls."