Despite the fact that the majority of women will need them for decades of their life, sanitary products remain a costly commodity, especially for those on a low income. Now, Scotland has taken a step forward by offering women free tampons and towels.
The menstrual cycle can be inconvenient at the best of times, but never more so than when you are strapped for cash.
An average pack of sanitary towels costs approximately €4 and, often times, pain killers are required on top of that. Ultimately, the time of the month can work out to be a very pricey period indeed, especially for those on lower salaries.
As a result, the Scottish government has unveiled a new pilot scheme offering free sanitary products to women across Aberdeen.
The scheme, which will last six months, aims to target 1,000 women in areas across Aberdeen by distributing sanitary products in schools, colleges and organisations in the region.
The focus of the scheme will be to reduce what has been dubbed "period poverty", which often results in school absence among girls from low-income families.
The Scottish Government plan on reviewing the results of the programme to guide further action on female hygiene issues.
The project is being coordinated by the Community Food Initiatives North East (CFINE) which has been awarded £10,000 by the Scottish government to implement the plan which will target around 1,000 women.
Speaking to The Independent, CEO of the CFINE said that he had become aware of the problem from women sharing their experience at food banks.
"Over a woman's lifetime, sanitary products cost on average more than £5,000, a significant sum for those on low-income. Many cannot afford them and may use inappropriate methods or miss school", he explains.
The scheme is receiving a warm welcome from women on social media:
"This is amazing. @scotgov providing free sanitary products to low-income women. Well done Scotland - leading the way!"
This is amazing. @scotgov providing free sanitary products to low-income women. Well done Scotland- leading the way! https://t.co/om4GZvy1SF
— Victoria Egerton (@VictoriaEgerto2) July 13, 2017
."Scotland has become the first country in the world to give low-income women free access to sanitary products!" aw hell yea"
"Scotland has become the first country in the world to give low-income women free access to sanitary products" aw hell yea
— dani🌿21 days (@lovelyseoks) July 12, 2017
However, Scottish Labour Party politician, Monica Lennon, says the scheme, though welcome, is not enough to target the growing problem.
"A pilot scheme is a welcome step in the right direction but we must go much further to help women and girls across the country who are facing a monthly struggle to access the products they need." She said speaking to The Independent.
The pilot scheme means Scotland has become the first country worldwide to offer free feminine hygiene products to its female citizens.
