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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Lucy Skoulding

Huge backlash in Scotland after man appointed as country's first ever period poverty officer

Scotland appointed its first-ever period poverty rights officer... but a man has taken the job.

The SNP appointed Jason Grant to the post for the Tay region of Scotland - but now there's been a huge backlash against the decision.

Mr Grant's responsibilities will include working on issues around menopause and promoting access to free period products after the Period Products Act was introduced.

A business owner and fitness coach, Mr Grant thinks his gender will help to "encourage more open discussions" about the topic and added that it's about "making people aware of the availability of period products for anyone of any gender".

The council has however been criticised for "institutionalised mansplaining", reports the Daily Mail.

Mr Grant will be focusing on 'making people aware of the availability of period products for anyone of any gender' in the new role (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Mr Grant said: "I think being a man will help me to break down barriers, reduce stigma and encourage more open discussions.

"Although affecting women directly, periods are an issue for everyone.

"We'll also raise awareness of the menopause, which, although a natural process for women, has wider repercussions in the world of work and family."

Mr Grant continued, sharing his excitement for the role with the Dundee Courier.

Many people have lashed out at the decision to appoint a man to the new role (Getty Images)

He said: "I'm absolutely buzzing about it. It's definitely pioneering as Scotland is the first to do this.

"It's about making people aware of the availability of period products for anyone of any gender, whenever they need it."

But many people have lashed out at the decision to appoint a man to the new role.

"Have we ever tried to explain to men how to shave or how to take care of their prostate or whatever? This is absurd," said tennis star Martina Navratilova.

Actress Frances Barber also spoke out as she said she found the move "weird".

She said: "I don't know how Scottish women feel about this, but as an English lover of Scotland, I'm fuming."

SNP leader Ian Blackford said on Sky News that the role would have been better suited to a woman.

SNP leader Ian Blackford said that the role would have been better suited to a woman (Getty Images)

He said: "I think it is important that we do have officers in place to ensure that women are supported as much as they should be.

"I think it is important we get the policy right, that we implement it, and that as a principle it would be far better that women are in these posts rather than anyone else."

The Period Products Act came into force in Scotland on Monday (August 15) so that councils and education providers must make tampons and sanitary towels available for anyone who needs them.

Labour health spokeswoman Monica Lennon had initially brought the Bill forwards in November 2020. Its aim is to eliminate period poverty and help people facing financial difficulties.

It was unanimously approved by MSPs after it had already won the support of the Scottish Government and other parties in Holyrood.

The Period Dignity Working Group, which is made up of Dundee and Angus College, Angus Council, Dundee City Council and Perth College, said: "This new role, funded by the Scottish Government, was created to promote and implement new legislation, specifically focused on project management.

"The role builds on some fantastic work which has been gathering speed across the Tay region for several years, led by a passionate group of people of all genders, ages and backgrounds.

"With all partners in the working group Equal Opportunities Employers, Jason was the strongest candidate.

"By changing the culture, encouraging debate and removing the stigma around periods, we look forward to supporting the delivery of this important work across the region."

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: "Subject to some statutory requirements, it is for each individual organisation to determine how to meet their duties under the Period Products Act and they have been empowered by the Act to decide through consultation what works best in their area responding to local need and circumstances.

"Some local authorities are appointing staff to ensure they are complying with their new duties and making free products in line with the Act, ensuring there is information available on where to access the products, and also tackling issues such as the stigma that still surrounds accessing period products."

The Mirror has contacted the SNP for comment.

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