Scotland is all set to be the first country in the world to provide universal access to free period products.
The decision came as the Scottish parliament voted unanimously in favour of the Period Products Bill. Although sanitary products were free for students in many schools, colleges, and universities, the bill assures access to those who need it.
Councils and education providers will be legally required to make period products available free of charge to anyone who needs them, the Scottish government said in a statement issued Sunday.
Welcoming the decision, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said she was proud of her country.
“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,” she wrote on her Twitter account.
Social Justice Secretary Shona Robison said she feels proud to be the first national government in the world to take such action.
“Providing access to free period products is fundamental to equality and dignity, and removes the financial barriers to accessing them,” she said.
