The Bill was passed with 121 to zero votes as the Scottish government and other opposition parties fully supported it.
‘Periods don’t stop for pandemics and the work to improve access to essential tampons, pads, and reusables has never been more important,’ says Scotland's labour health spokesperson Monica Lennon.
Recently Scotland beat every country as it became the first in the world to pass legislation making period products free for all.
Any person who menstruates will be given free sanitary products according to the bill approved by the Scottish Parliament on 24th November.
The much-needed bill was proposed by health spokesperson Monica Lennon who said it is a ‘practical and progressive’ piece of legislation.
She said: ‘Periods don’t stop for pandemics and the work to improve access to essential tampons, pads and reusables has never been more important.’
Monica was elected to Holyrood in 2016 and since then she is working for the betterment of women and to tackle period poverty.
She said: ‘On the issue of period dignity, I am beyond proud that Scotland is leading the way and we have moved at a fast pace in a short space of time.'
‘We have got here because we have worked together. We have shown that this Parliament can be a force for progressive change when we collaborate.'
‘Our prize is the opportunity to consign period poverty to history. In these dark times, we can bring light and hope to the world this evening.’
This Bill was successfully passed with 21 votes to zero. The Period Products Bill got the support of the Scottish Government and the other opposition parties in Holyrood.
Aileen Campbell, who is Scotland’s communities secretary, said the passing of this bill is a very important moment for gender equality.
She said it was a ‘great privilege to be here today on a day that we will commit to Scotland becoming the first country in the world to legislate to ensure that free period products are available to all who need them’.
‘This legislation will do much to advance equality and social justice here in Scotland and elsewhere, as other countries seek to follow our path,’ Ms. Campbell added.
Rose Caldwell, chief executive of the charity Plan International UK, said: ‘In making this world-first commitment, the Scottish government has shown itself to be a pioneer in tackling period poverty, and we hope that nations around the world will follow its lead.'
‘With this landmark legislation, Scotland could soon become the first country in the world to eliminate period poverty once and for all, and with household finances under strain from the coronavirus restrictions, the need has never been greater.'
‘This new law will help to ensure that no girl or woman in Scotland struggles to afford period products.’
‘Period poverty is driven by a “toxic trio” of issues, which on top of the cost of period products, includes a lack of education and the stigma and shame surrounding menstruation.'
‘We know, for example, that only a third (31%) of girls in Scotland feel comfortable asking teachers for period products in school.'
‘That’s why, alongside free products, we need education and training for girls, schools, and parents to help tackle the stigma and embarrassment around periods as well as the cost.’