Leading the way to end period poverty…
Scotland’s “period poverty” bill has been officially lodged at Holyrood. This bill aims to tackle period poverty by placing a legal obligation on schools, colleges and universities to provide free sanitary products. Research suggests one in 10 girls between the ages of 14 and 21 in the UK cannot afford sanitary products. Furthermore, 49% have missed an entire day of school because of their period (Plan International, 2018). Community led projects have found that by providing free access to sanitary products school attendance levels increased. One such campaign is the Red Box Project’s nationwide project which aims to support young people by providing red boxes filled with free period products to local schools. Some local councils in Northern Ireland have pledged to provide free sanitary products in some of its public buildings which is a welcome move. Government funding for free sanitary products in all English secondary schools and colleges is also welcome. However, by passing a law it would ensure future governments had a legal obligation to maintain this commitment.
Let’s hope that others can now follow Scotland’s example and put an end to “period poverty” period!
References:
https://plan-uk.org/media-centre/plan-international-uks-research-on-period-poverty-and-stigma
For more information visit:
https://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/Bills/105765.aspx