Scotland will be the world's first country to offer free sanitary products to students at schools, colleges and universities nationwide, as part of a wider scheme to combat period poverty.
This will be a £5.2 million ($NZ9.9m) government scheme for 395,000 students across the country, with the aim of aiding girls and women who struggle to pay for basic sanitary products on a monthly basis, as a result of "period poverty."
A recent Young Scot survey with 2000 participants found one in four respondents at school, college or university in Scotland struggled to access sanitary products.
“I am proud that Scotland is taking this world-leading action to fight period poverty and I welcome the support of local authorities, colleges and universities in implementing this initiative," communities secretary Aileen Campbell told The Guardian.
“Our £5.2m ($NZ9.9m) investment will mean these essential products will be available to those who need them in a sensitive and dignified way, which will make it easier for students to full focus on their studies.”
The primary aim of the scheme was to ensure young people did not miss out on education as a result of lack of access to sanitary products.
“It will also contribute to a more open conversation and reducing the unnecessary stigma associated with periods,” said president of Cosla Alison Evison.
SHARE ME