Lanarkshire MSP Monica Lennon says she is "proud" to have pioneered landmark legislation which from today will see Scotland become the first country in the world to provide free period products.
The Period Products Act is a new law to protect the right to free period products.
Originally proposed by Central Scotland Labour MSP Monica Lennon, the legislation means councils and education providers in Scotland will be legally required to ensure free sanitary products are available to anyone who needs them.
Ms Lennon has been campaigning to end period poverty since 2016 and the bill was unanimously approved by the Scottish Parliament back in 2020.
She told Lanarkshire Live : "I'm proud to have pioneered the Period Products Act which is already influencing positive change in Scotland and around the world.
"Local authorities and partner organisations have worked hard to make the legal right to access free period products a reality.
"This is another big milestone for period dignity campaigners and grassroots movements which shows the difference that progressive and bold political choices can make."
Scotland's councils now have a legal obligation to give "anyone who needs them" access to a range of period products "reasonably easily".
Currently tampons, pads and some reusable products are funded in schools, colleges and universities in Scotland.
Since 2017, around £27m has been spent to provide access in public settings.
Ms Lennon described the move as both "progressive" and "practical".
She added: "As the cost-of-living crisis takes hold, the Period Products Act is a beacon of hope which shows what can be achieved when politicians come together for the good of the people we serve."
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