In news– Recently, Scotland has become the first country(by passing a law) in the world to make period products free for all.
What is period poverty?
- Period poverty describes the struggle many low-income women and girls face while trying to afford menstrual products.
- The term also refers to the increased economic vulnerability women and girls face due the financial burden posed by menstrual supplies.
- Period poverty is when those on low incomes can’t afford, or access, suitable period products.
- With average periods lasting about five days, it can cost up to £8 a month for tampons and pads, and some women struggle to afford the cost.
About the act-
- The Period Products (Free Provision) (Scotland) Bill puts a legal duty on local authorities to ensure anyone who needs period products can obtain them for free such as tampons and sanitary pads.
- Products will be distributed through councils and education providers as the Period Products Act comes into force.
- MSPs unanimously approved the Period Products (Free Provision) (Scotland) Bill in November 2020.
- The bill was introduced by Labour MSP Monica Lennon, who has been campaigning to end period poverty since 2016.
Source: BBC
