This coming Monday marks the practical rollout of the Products for Periods Act in Scotland, a policy that commits to providing free feminine hygiene products to residents who request them. The measure is designed to ensure that essential items are readily available across communities, reducing barriers for individuals who may otherwise struggle to afford such products. By making these items freely accessible, the policy aims to normalize their use and remove stigma, while supporting daily life for learners, workers, and families who rely on menstrual care as a basic need.
In this framework, municipal authorities and participating educational institutions bear responsibility for the distribution process. The law requires that feminine hygiene products be accessible upon request, with a predictable, straightforward mechanism for retrieval. Local councils, schools, colleges, and affiliated organizations collaborate to establish distribution points, maintain sufficient stock, and monitor ongoing availability so that no student or resident faces unnecessary gaps in access. This centralized approach helps standardize provisions across diverse locales and ensures that requests can be fulfilled promptly and discreetly.
The policy’s journey began with unanimous approval in November 2020, following a prolonged campaign against period poverty led by Labour Member of Parliament Monica Lennon. The aim was to translate advocacy into tangible relief that is felt in everyday life, not merely in rhetoric. Supporters highlighted that the act already brings visible change within Scotland and resonates with similar efforts internationally, signaling a growing recognition that menstrual care should be a guaranteed public service rather than a personal burden.
Supporters emphasized that municipal authorities and partner organizations have worked diligently to transform the concept of universal access into a practical, everyday reality. The experience, they noted, demonstrates that progress can be achieved through collaborative action, careful planning, and a willingness to challenge outdated norms surrounding menstruation. The result is a system where free products are no longer exceptional or optional but a standard part of public services that communities can rely on.
For Monica Lennon, this milestone is not just a policy win but a proof point that bold, forward-looking choices can create lasting change for activists and ordinary people alike. The act reflects a broader conviction that social progress requires concrete commitments and the public sector stepping in to ensure dignity and equality through practical measures that touch daily life. It is a message that resonates across communities that have long advocated for stronger protections and improved living standards.
Shona Robison, serving as a social justice adviser in the Scottish government, underscores the current urgency brought by rising living costs. The emphasis remains on guaranteeing free access to menstrual products as a matter of equality and dignity. The government takes pride in being a pioneer on this issue, with Robison noting that Scotland stands at the forefront of national policy by adopting this measure, reinforcing the belief that government action can directly improve people’s everyday experiences while advancing social justice across the country. The emphasis is on safeguarding affordability, comfort, and personal sovereignty for all who need these products.
From 2017 onward, the Scottish authorities have allocated more than 27 million pounds, approximately 32 million euros, to finance the procurement of feminine hygiene products. This sustained investment reflects a long-term commitment to ensuring that access remains uninterrupted, regardless of changes in household income or price fluctuations. The fund supports ongoing supply, distribution networks, and the necessary logistics to maintain constant availability, reinforcing the principle that menstrual care is a public obligation and a vital component of social welfare in Scotland.”