“Providing free menstrual supplies is the basis of equality and dignity.” On August 15, 2022, Scotland’s “Free Menstrual Supplies Act” came into effect, making Scotland the first country in the world to provide free menstrual supplies throughout the country. The national, Scottish government website announced that from now on, local councils and educational establishments will provide menstrual supplies such as tampons, tampons, moon cups and other menstrual products to all who need it; since 2017, the Scottish government has invested more than 2,700 yuan in this plan. million pounds.

The “Free Menstrual Supplies Act” can be dated back to November 24, 2020. The Scottish Parliament unanimously passed the bill proposed by Labour MP Monica Lennon, a big step towards eradicating “period poverty” Lennon also proudly said in an interview with the media that the bill “has had a positive impact on Scotland and around the world”, and Scotland has since become the first country to supply menstrual supplies for free (the British standard called the United Kingdom, consisting of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland).

In view of the fact that physiological women need to use a certain amount of menstrual products every month, according to statistics, every British woman needs to spend at least 13 pounds per month on this, and about 160 pounds a year. For poor women and families, they may not be able to afford this expense. , or have to correspondingly reduce the number of replacement of physiological products during menstruation, thus increasing the probability of causing women to contract physical diseases or add psychological problems. Whether in developed or poor countries, “menstrual poverty” is an issue that must be faced when dealing with social equality issues.

Since the United Kingdom joined the European Economic Community (the predecessor of the European Union) in 1973, it has levied consumption value-added tax on female physiological products at the same time as the European countries. It was only in 2000 that it was reduced to 5% of the lowest tax rate in the European Union on the grounds of fairness. “Physiological products tax” has repeatedly caused controversy, because women’s use of physiological products is by no means “optional” but “must have”. However, this highly controversial tax will not be paid until January 1, 2021 after Brexit. Only then can it be abolished regardless of EU tariff regulations.

Scottish authorities have acted earlier and more aggressively. As early as July 2017, Scotland invested £42,500 in trials in places such as Aberdeen schools and food banks for women who could not afford it. Provide free physiological supplies; by October 2020, Scotland’s “School Menstrual Supplies Regulations” will take effect, and local governments will provide budgets for schools at all levels to provide students with free physiological supplies.

On August 15, 2022, the “Law on the Free Supply of Menstrual Supplies”, which was officially launched on August 15, 2022, was expanded to include restaurants, bars, clubs, performing arts halls and other public places on the basis of providing physiological supplies in schools. Lennon pointed out that, At a time when people across the UK are in crisis due to inflation and the cost of living is soaring, the Free Menstrual Supplies Act is a “beacon of hope”, showing how politicians can achieve success when they unite for the good of the people. what an achievement.

Scottish Social Justice Minister Shona Robison also said:
After the implementation of the “Free Menstrual Supplies Act”, the Scottish government, with the cooperation of social enterprises such as “Hey Girls”, launched the “PickupMyPeriod” app to help Scottish residents in need find the nearest menstrual supplies distribution point. In addition, the Scottish government There will also be funding for educational websites to promote “menstrual equity education” for employers in the workplace, as well as resources to improve health education programs in schools and to fight menstrual stigma.