Almost two years after a political decision that is unique in the world, menstrual products will be available for free in Scotland from Monday. Free entry is “fundamental to equality and dignity,” Scottish Social Justice Minister Shona Robison said in a statement on Sunday.
In November 2020, the Scottish Regional Parliament voted unanimously for free access to the products in public buildings. “We are proud to be the first national government to take such a step,” said Minister Robinson. City councils and educational institutions are therefore obliged from Monday to make hygiene items available to everyone who needs them.
Scotland leads the way in the fight against ‘period poverty’. Schoolgirls and students already receive free sanitary towels and tampons. In some countries (including Great Britain, France, Germany) VAT on menstrual products has been reduced.
The Austrian National Council also halved the sales tax for feminine hygiene items to ten percent by the end of 2020. The ÖVP and the Greens had previously agreed in their government program.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
