COSLA to provide access to free sanitary products in all its offices

The Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) is to provide access to free sanitary products in all its offices.

President Alison Evison announced that from today, sanitary products will be provided free in its Edinburgh headquarters and conference centre, as well as its offices and meeting spaces in both Glasgow and Brussels.

Evison said: “Scotland is leading the way in offering more and more women and girls access to free period products.

“I am therefore delighted to announce that from today, sanitary products will be provided free of charge to anyone attending any conference or event within the three COSLA offices.

“As president of COSLA one of my main political principles is equality.

“I would encourage public bodies across Scotland to support the dignity of women and girls, ensuring that lack of access to sanitary products does not impact on an individual’s ability to fully participate in public life in Scotland.”

She added that COSLA is “determined” to help address period poverty and to level the playing field between men and women.

“I am delighted that COSLA has shown real leadership on this issue, and that as local government’s representative body in Scotland we continue to do our best to break down barriers in our quest for equality,” she said.

Labour MSP Monica Lennon recently introduced a member’s bill to the Scottish Parliament which would create a statutory duty for free provision of sanitary products.

Her proposed Sanitary Products (Free Provision) (Scotland) Bill has received backing from each of the five parties at Holyrood.

She said: “Scotland can lead the world on period poverty - and it is a positive step that all the parties at the Scottish Parliament have united behind these proposals.

“Access to sanitary products should be a basic right but sadly in Scotland we know not everyone can afford or obtain what they need.”

“This bill would introduce a legal duty on the Scottish Government to develop a universal system in Scotland which will provide free sanitary products for anyone who needs them.

“There should also be a statutory duty on schools, colleges and universities to provide free sanitary products in their toilets.”