Scotland: is the first country in the world to distribute free sanitary pads

There Scotland becomes the first country in the world to provide women with sanitary pads and menstrual cycle products free of charge. On August 15, a law came into force to counteract the period povertyi.e. the state of poverty that does not allow girls or women to be able to afford sanitary pads when they are menstruating, and guarantees that public facilities such as pharmacies or youth centers, as well as schools and universities (where already provided) distribute these products for free in a widespread manner. The law was introduced in 2019 by MEP Monica Lennon and passed in November 2020. It has recently entered into force, effectively making Scotland the first country in the world to provide this form of protection for women, although, as Lennon points out on Twittertampons and other menstrual products have long been available for free in Scottish communities.

Many countries are taking action to better protect women during the period of menstruation. In Brazil, a similar measure was approved, but aimed only at women in difficulty. In Spain, the government has given the green light to a bill that includes, among other things, a three-day paid leave during the menstrual cycle or following termination of pregnancy. In addition, under medical supervision, the leave can be extended up to five days for women suffering from particularly disabling menstruation. And finally, the project involves thelowering of VAT on feminine hygiene products in stores and the free distribution of sanitary pads and other menstruation products in schools and educational centers.

In Vietnam, South Korea, Taiwan, China and Japanwomen already have the right to a paid leave during the days of the menstrual cycle, but no Western country has ever passed such a law. In Italy, a law proposal to this effect was advanced in 2016, but never approved, only to end up in oblivion. Last year VAT on sanitary pads was lowered from 22% to 10%, even if the goal of associations and some political groups is to reach 4%, which is that of basic necessities. In a few countries, including Australia and India, VAT on sanitary towels has been completely eliminated and in Europe the Italian threshold, although lowered, remains among the highest.