Women and girls to get legal right to free period products this week

SCOTLAND will become the first country in the world to protect in law the right to free period products when legislation comes into force tomorrow.

The Period Products Act means councils and education providers will be legally required to provide free tampons and pads to those who need them.

The legislation was proposed by Labour MSP Monica Lennon and was unanimously backed in the Scottish parliament in 2020.

Ms Lennon said: ‘I’m proud to have pioneered the Period Products Act which is already influencing positive change in Scotland and around the world. As the cost of living crisis takes hold, the Act is a beacon of hope which shows what can be achieved when politicians come together for the good of the people we serve.’

Social Justice Secretary Shona Robison said: ‘We are proud to be the first national government in the world to take such action.’