Nearly two years after a unique political decision in the world, menstrual items are available for free in Scotland from Monday.
Free access is “fundamental to equality and dignity,” Scottish Social Justice Minister Shona Robison said in a statement on Sunday. As of Monday, municipal administrations and educational institutions are obliged to make hygiene articles available to all who need them.
In November 2020, the Scottish regional parliament unanimously voted in favor of free access to products in public buildings. “We are proud to be the first national government to take this step,” said Secretary Robinson.
Scotland is a pioneer in the fight against “periodic poverty”. Pupils and students already receive sanitary pads and tampons for free. In some countries (including Great Britain, France, Germany) VAT on menstrual products has been reduced. According to the Turkish-Green government program, the sales tax rate on feminine hygiene articles should also be reduced in Austria. So far, it’s 20%.