Good News for Women !!
In the wake of Global Pandemic which led to the realization of Period Poverty (the situation where girls and women do not get access to safe & hygienic menstruation products and practices) due to lockdowns and shutdowns in schools, colleges and other places, many countries are creating history.
India made Sanitary Pads an ‘Essential’ Commodity
On March 29, 2020, Indian government included Sanitary Pads in the list of Essential Commodities which are essentially made available to the public whenever Disaster Management Act is invoked. Many state governments in India are already providing free sanitary napkins to girls in schools. The Goods and Services tax in India was removed from sanitary napkins on July 21, 2018.
New Zealand to provide Free Sanitary Products in Schools
On June 3, 2020, New Zealand government announced to offer free sanitary products in 15 schools which were identified to require it. The scheme will be expanded to all state schools by 2021.
Scotland becomes the First Country in the world to provide Free Period Products
On November 24, 2020, Scotland passed a bill which makes it a legal right to have sanitary products free of charge. Sanitary napkins, tampons and other period products will be available for free in schools, colleges, universities and public buildings in Scotland.
The UK abolishes Tampon Tax
From January 1, 2021, the government of the UK has abolished the ‘Tampon tax’ which means that women’s sanitary products will no longer be subjected to VAT in the UK. The government has already been giving free sanitary products in schools, colleges and hospitals.
I am waiting to hear more of such good news.
But these good news didn’t come easy. They are a result of many campaigns and legal fights over the years, by determined women and men to seek what is the essential right of every girl and woman.
Global Pandemic caused by Covid-19 virus has encouraged many nations to come up with measures to tackle Period Poverty which affects the health of young girls and women.
A clear message from such news is that Periods are a basic part of the life of every woman. There is no shame in Periods and Period Products are an elementary and indispensable requirement of every girl and woman.
These are big steps towards encouraging young girls and women to follow safe health practices.
Such news definitely become an inspiration for all the nations across the world. Thus, if some nations can bring in laws to improve the health of nearly half of their country’s population, so can the others too.
So, Share in the comments below about what you think about these News.
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But, let there be no more hush up about Periods.
You may also check more Good News’ posts on the link mentioned below-
Good News – NO HUSH UP
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