Scotland leads the way this week as the first country in the world to pass a law ensuring period products are provided free.
And as part of the approach to delivering period dignity, a Dundee man has taken on a pioneering new role in Tayside.
Jason Grant is the newly-appointed period dignity officer for the Tay region.
We asked him what happens now the new law is live – and where you can access free sanitary products near you.
Access to free period products has been in place in schools, colleges and the wider community across Tayside since 2018.
But Scotland is the first country in the world where public institutions are now legally enforced to provide them.
Jason’s role will address the need for more awareness about availability of products and how to access them.
What work will Jason be doing to help?
He is employed by a project team which also includes Dundee and Angus College, Perth College, Angus Council and Dundee City Council.
So Jason will work directly with the colleges and local authorities to ensure period dignity across the area.
He says he is looking forward to making a difference.
“I’m absolutely buzzing about it. It’s definitely pioneering as Scotland is the first to do this,” he says.
“It’s about making people aware of the availability of period products for anyone of any gender, whenever they need it.
“We’re going to deliver that message with education in mind, so there’s a new video being produced to be rolled out in schools in Tayside.
“And it’s important whatever we do is done with dignity, so people know that there’s no judgement.”
Jason will lead a regional campaign across schools, colleges and wider communities.
‘Working together’
“I’m in the role for two years. I want to get the areas working together so we have a Tay City approach.
“For me that means negotiating, networking and creating one voice.
“It’s also about making sure that voice is strong and consistent and everyone is behind it.”
Jason comes to the role with varied background and experience.
As well as a former role as an account manager with Imperial Tobacco, Jason then trained as a personal trainer setting up his own fitness business.
Most recently, he’s worked as a student wellbeing officer with Dundee and Angus College.
‘This isn’t just a female topic’
He says his career and experience stand him in good stead.
“I was chosen as the best person for the job and for me, it’s irrespective of gender.
“Having a guy can’t be a bad thing – it grabs the headlines, but that’s not the reason I was put into post!” Jason continues.
“For me it’s about driving the discussion from a young age so boys and girls are included and there’s no hiding it away because that keeps it as a taboo topic.
“I want to be seen as a positive male role model.”
“We’ll also raise awareness of the menopause, which, although a natural process for women, has wider repercussions in the world of work and family.
“It’s time to normalise these topics and get real around the subject.
“I believe I can make progress by proving this isn’t just a female topic, encouraging conversations across all genders and educating and engaging new audiences.”
Can I get free period products in Tayside?
People can find their nearest collection point through the PickupMyPeriod mobile app.
Celia Hodson, Founder and CEO of Hey Girls devised it in collaboration with the Scottish Government.
The free app allows people to find period products on the move or products closest to home.
Users can even search for plastic-free products within the app.
Conversation