Goodbye menstrual poverty: Scotland kicks off revolution in free menstrual products for women

Scotland has broken the new revolution that women need to buy menstrual products at their own expense. Scotland's "Free Menstrual Supplies Act" will come into effect on August 15, 2022 , becoming the first country in the world to pass legislation to protect women's right to free menstrual products. From now on, city councils and educational establishments around the world will legally provide menstrual products such as tampons, tampons, and menstrual cups to all who need them. Groundbreaking legislation is very important for women and girls.

According to statistics, every British woman needs to spend at least 13 pounds per month on average, and about 160 pounds a year. Photo / Associated Press

“Access to free period products, in addition to removing economic barriers to accessing menstrual products, is a foundation for equality and dignity.” — Shona Robison, Minister for Social Affairs, Scotland

Since 2017, the Scottish Government has undertaken a series of study visits to the Act, investing a total of more than £27 million. It also took a pioneering step in 2018 by offering free period products to students in all schools, colleges and universities.

According to the current legislation, in addition to the government providing free sanitary products, the government also provides funds for educational websites, improves existing menstrual health resources in schools, and launches anti-stigma campaigns on menstruation. And if the public needs free sanitary products, they can use the "PickupMyPeriod" App to find the nearest supply point.

Scotland's new laws have been praised globally, with countries including South Korea and New Zealand taking a similar approach to meet women's domestic demand for menstrual products.

In fact, there are currently different foreign sex toy brands launching menstrual products suitable for women during their menstrual period, such as the German FUN FACTORY menstrual cup and the New Zealand brand REEMI moon pants . The biggest difference between these menstrual products and general traditional sanitary napkins is their reusability. The service life of menstrual cups and moon pants is calculated in years. Compared with ordinary sanitary napkins, which only have a service life of a few hours, they are relatively more environmentally friendly and Save more money.

Although Hong Kong does not currently have any relevant legislative plans for women to obtain free menstrual products, we can choose the most suitable sanitary napkins, menstrual cups, and menstrual pants according to different needs by knowing more about different women's menstrual products. Ms. They can also live a menstrual life that can reduce financial burden, be more environmentally friendly and relaxed, and say goodbye to menstrual poverty by themselves.

Back to blog