Hey Girls has praised campaigners, the Scottish Government and local authorities after an act to provide free period products across Scotland was brought into law.<\/p>\n
Celia Hodson, founder of MyPeriod and Hey Girls CIC, said the Period Products (Free Provision) (Scotland) Act 2021 marked a \u201chistoric\u201d moment for the country, which is the first in the UK to make such a move.<\/p>\n
The act, which came into law today (August 15), means it is now mandatory for public institutions to provide period products free of charge.<\/p>\n
Celia said: \u201cThis is truly a historic moment for Scotland and shows that we are again leading the way in recognising that period products are not a luxury, and should be accessible to all.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis legislation is going to help thousands of people across the country who are often forced to make difficult and unsafe decisions about the products they use, simply because they cannot afford one of life\u2019s necessities.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are thrilled this monumental day has finally arrived, although our fight to end period poverty and deliver period equality across the UK is far from over.\u201d<\/p>\n
The act was first tabled as a bill in Holyrood in 2019, before coming into law today.<\/p>\n
Those in need can use MyPeriod\u2019s revolutionary PickupMyPeriod mobile app to locate nearby institutions stocking free period products.<\/p>\n
Businesses who choose to stock free products are also listed on the app\u2019s interactive map.<\/p>\n
More than 35 local authorities and businesses have registered with the app, with over 1,000 locations available to collect free period products. The app has been downloaded 6,700 times.<\/p>\n
Celia added: \u201cIt is so important we help those in need access a range of free period products now they are available across Scotland.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur app has already helped thousands of people find period products nearby when they are most in need, while also providing important information on periods, endometriosis and the menopause, as well as links to other financial, health and wellbeing support available in their locality.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe team at MyPeriod hope the Period Products (Free Provision) (Scotland) Act 2021 will help drive positive change in our country and that the app will continue to help more people as additional locations are added in the near future.\u201d<\/p>\n
Celia is also the founder of multi award-winning social enterprise Hey Girls CIC, which has donated more than 25 million environmentally-friendly period products to people across the UK thanks to its \u201cbuy one, donate one\u201d model.<\/p>\n
Both organisations work in tandem to improve period dignity and tackle period poverty across the UK.<\/p>\n