A new law which makes period products free across Scotland can be replicated across the world, according to the Lanarkshire MSP who brought it to parliament.
Labour’s Monica Lennon said the success of her bill designed to tackle the effects of period poverty had attracted international interest.
Ms Lennon said campaigners and grass roots groups across Lanarkshire – including those in East Kilbride – had inspired her during the long battle to bring the Period Products (Free Provision) (Scotland) Bill to Holyrood.
Following a Stage Three hearing on Tuesday, the Scottish Parliament approved the bill pending Royal Assent.
It means access to free products for anyone who needs them becomes enshrined by law.
Ms Lennon said: “It’s great to have the opportunity to thank everyone in Lanarkshire who got involved in the campaign.
“Organisations like Lanarkshire Carers Centre, Women’s Aid South Lanarkshire and South Lanarkshire College in East Kilbride gave us so much support and practical help.
“There has been an explosion of interest across the world in this bill. There is huge momentum now behind a move to introduce a similar law in Westminster which would apply to England.
“There has also been interest from as near as Ireland and as far away as New Zealand. We can share everything we have locally to help the campaign across the globe.
“I said all along that Scotland wouldn’t be the last country to make period poverty a thing of the past. I’m just delighted we have been the first.”
Tuesday’s vote happened after major research showed that a significant proportion of people who need period products had struggled to access them in the past.
The bill also tackled the impact on education with some girls forced to miss school because of the impact of their period.
Ms Lennon said that education around menstrual health would continue to be a priority.
She added: “The success of the bill does not mean the end of the campaign. We are confident that something that started in Hamilton and other small Scottish communities can have a wider and longer lasting impact.”
Ailsa Tweedie, a Carer Information Worker from Lanarkshire Carers, said: “Lanarkshire Carers are proud to support the bill and we know that period is a carers rights issue.
“Following Monica Lennon’s consultation on period poverty in 2017, Lanarkshire Carers offered period products for free in the bathrooms of our offices.
“We know the impact poverty can have on unpaid carers, and anonymous feedback left one by one of our carers shows that we are having a meaningful impact.
“It is shocking that people in the 21st century can’t afford to buy towels and tampons – things need to change and hopefully the passage of the Bill will help do that.
