Relevance: Prelims: International
Why in news?
- Scotland may become the first country in the world to end ‘period poverty’. The Scottish Parliament passed the Period Products (Free Provision) (Scotland) Bill that aims to make sanitary products free for women of all age groups.
- The Bill has only passed the first hurdle to become a law. It still needs to be considered by a parliamentary committee, following which it will require approval from the parliament. It will finally need the Royal Assent of the Queen.
- The Bill was introduced by lawmaker Monica Lennon.
What is ‘period poverty’?
- ‘Period poverty Scotland’ website mentions some circumstances that make menstruation a “difficult experience” for women. These include homelessness, coercive, controlling and violent relationships and health conditions such as endometriosis. “Some trans people may also experience difficulties in accessing sanitary products,” it says.
- As of now, in Scotland, the provision of free sanitary products is already available in schools, universities and colleges.
- Referring to “period dignity”, the legislation aims to develop a universal system in Scotland, which will provide free sanitary products for “anyone who needs them”.
What does the Scotland’s Bill propose?
- If the Bill is passed into law, one of its central objectives is to “end the silence and stigma” that surrounds menstruation and also aims to remove “gendered barriers”.
- One of the primary aims of the Bill is to ensure that those who menstruate have “reasonably convenient” access to period products free of charge.
- Essentially, the Bill places a duty on Scottish ministers to ensure that period products are made available free of charge on a universal basis.
- It also requires education providers to make period products available free of charge in on-site toilets.
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