What country has free period products?

Asked by: Mrs. Violet Collins  |  Last update: February 2, 2024
Score: 5/5 (75 votes)

Scotland is the first country to offer period products free of charge on a national scale. Others, including New Zealand and Kenya, distribute products for free in public schools.

Are pads and tampons free in Europe?

Scotland made headlines in 2020 when it became the first country in the world to require cities provide tampons and pads free of charge in public buildings. It has even gone so far as to launch an app residents can use to find the nearest pick-up spot.

Why are period products free in Scotland?

The Scottish Government ( SG ) believes being able to access period products is fundamental to equality and dignity. Since 2018/19 the SG has put in place policies to support equality, dignity and rights for those who menstruate.

Are period products free in England?

The period product scheme is available to all state maintained schools and 16 to 19 education organisations in England. It provides free period products to girls and women [footnote 1] who need them in their place of study.

Will the U.S. make period products free?

There's been a growing movement to make period products free in the U.S., with Rep. Grace Meng (D-N. Y.) introducing the Menstrual Equity for All Act of 2021, which would distribute federal grant funds to states to help fund free menstrual products in schools, prisons and homeless shelters.

Scotland first in world to make period products free - BBC News

23 related questions found

Which country sells free pads?

Scotland has become the first country in the world to make period products free for all. There is now a legal duty on local authorities to provide free items such as tampons and sanitary pads to "anyone who needs them".

Are feminine hygiene products free in any country?

The initiative makes Scotland the first country in the world to provide free sanitary products, part of a global effort to end “period poverty” — or a lack of access to tampons or sanitary pads because of prohibitively high costs.

Are pads free in France?

Rising period poverty: France announces free sanitary products for under 25s. Charities have welcomed the move but say it could also be extended to older women or single mothers who are not immune from period poverty. For Sadrana, a student who lives in Marseille, buying sanitary products is a monthly struggle.

What would happen if period products were free?

If sanitary products were free there would be many people who would spend less money on replacing pants/ leggings/ trousers as there would be less people who wouldn't have a pad/ tampon, which would mean less leakages.

How can I get free period supplies?

Call your nearest healthcare clinic to ask if they have free pads or tampons. You may be able to stop by the office to pick up some supplies without needing to make an appointment. This organization supports over a hundred local groups across the United States.

Are tampons free in Canada?

Beginning December 15, 2023 new legislation in Canada has made it mandatory for all federally regulated workplaces to begin providing free menstrual products.

Are period products free in Ireland?

We are providing free feminine hygiene products at a number of our libraries and public buildings. The initiative, which is funded by Healthy Ireland and the Government of Ireland, is intended to help those who may have difficulty affording or accessing those products for social or economic reasons.

Why is period poverty an issue?

Poor hygiene measures during menstruation can pose serious health risks, such as reproductive and urinary tract infections, thrush, and others. Menstruators require access to sanitary facilities, clean water, and affordable, safe menstrual products in order to have a healthy and secure period.

What is period poverty in Germany?

When a menstruating person does not have the necessary financial means or it is a heavy financial burden to purchase suitable hygiene items, this is called "period poverty" (kinderschutzbund-berlin.de). According to utopia.de around 100,000 menstruating women in Germany are affected by period poverty.

What countries have no tampon tax?

Among the latest countries to pass laws to abolish the tampon tax are Mexico, Britain and Namibia. Another 10 countries have designated sanitary products as tax-exempt goods or have exempted the tax on imported raw materials used to make them.

Does Germany have a tampon tax?

Since about 2004, many countries have abolished or reduced sales taxes for tampons and pads, including Kenya, Canada, India, Colombia, Australia, Germany, and Rwanda.

Is it good to free bleed on your period?

While free bleeding may help you feel less inhibited, medically, it is not the best option for handling menstruation. Any blood that gets left behind on public surfaces has to be treated as potentially infectious. Several viruses, including hepatitis, can live in dried blood for up to 4 days.

How much money does a woman spend on period products in a lifetime?

The average person who menstruates has about 450 periods in their lifetime; with an average of $20 spent on menstrual products per cycle, the cost builds over time to an estimated $9,000 over a lifetime.

Why are pads so expensive in the US?

' Decades-high inflation is the big economic story of 2022, making it challenging for U.S. consumers to afford essential supplies including period products. Menstrual hygiene, which already faced cost increases from state taxes (i.e., the so-called "Tampon Tax"), has also been hit by inflation on several fronts.

Do they have pads in Africa?

Welcome To PridePads Africa

PridePads Africa produces biodegradable, earth friendly and affordable sanitary pads for girls and women in rural Cameroon as well as providing menstrual health education, sensitization and de-stigmatization campaigns surrounding menstruation.

Are tampons free in England?

In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, people can get free period products in schools and colleges. Some universities and students unions will also provide free sanitary products.

What states have free feminine products?

States That Require Free Period Products In Schools
  • Alabama HB50. ...
  • Arkansas Act 933. ...
  • California AB 367. ...
  • Colorado SB 21-255. ...
  • Connecticut Substitute 5272. ...
  • Delaware HB 20. ...
  • Georgia HB 910. ...
  • Hawaii SB 2821.

Where are female products free?

Food banks, diaper banks, and shelters typically offer free menstrual products. Alliance for Period Supplies is an organization sponsored by U by Kotex. If you or someone you know needs period supplies, text 211 or visit 211.org to find a location near you that offers free tampons and pads.

Why is there a feminine hygiene shortage?

On the labor side, COVID-19 has led to higher than normal job absence. Fewer workers means fewer tampons being produced and making it to stores. According to Bloomberg, the shortage is not the same everywhere, with Alaska, Hawaii, and West Virginia seeing the most noticeable shortages.