Scotland has become the first country to allow free and universal access to menstrual products, including tampons and pads, in public facilities, a landmark¹ victory for the global movement against period poverty.

 

苏格兰成为世界首个在公共设施免费向所有人供应卫生棉条和卫生护垫等经期卫生用品的地区，这是全球对抗月经贫困运动的一次里程碑式的胜利。

 

The Scottish Parliament voted unanimously in favor of the Period Products bill on Tuesday, months after lawmakers had initially² signaled their support.

 

It means period products will be available to access in public buildings including schools and universities across Scotland. According to the new rules, it will be up to local authorities and education providers to ensure the products are available free of charge.

 

"The campaign has been backed by a wide coalition³, including trades unions, women's organisations and charities," Monica Lennon, the lawmaker who introduced the bill last year, said ahead of the vote. "Scotland will not be the last country to make period poverty history."

 

After the vote, Lennon said the decision was "a signal to the world that free universal access to period products can be achieved."

 

The bill's accompanying financial memorandum⁴ estimates it could cost around £8.7 million a year by 2022, depending on the number of women who will take advantage of the free products.

 

The new law was praised by a number of equality and women's rights groups as well as politicians from across the parties represented in the Scottish Parliament.

 

"Proud to vote for this groundbreaking legislation, making Scotland the first country in the world to provide free period products for all who need them. An important policy for women and girls," Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said on her official Twitter page after the vote.

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