WOMEN for Independence/Independence for Women (WFI) is pleased to announce a new national campaign – #FreePeriodScotland – created by Victoria Heaney, national committee member.
Today (Friday) WFI launches a national survey, which seeks to understand the many different experiences that women face and provide an evidence-based picture of access issues to period products.
All women, and especially WFI Groups and other women’s campaigning organisations, can get on board and support #FreePeriodScotland, helping to make a positive impact, that will propel the issue further up the national agenda.
Victoria Heaney, WFI national committee member, says it’s only recently the topic of women accessing period products – or rather, not being able to – has been been covered in the media and political arena.
“Thanks to the work of fellow WFI member, MSP Gillian Martin, and also MSP Monica Lennon, this issue has received national coverage. Whilst we at WFI welcome this positive step forward and are pleased to hear Government Minister, Angela Constance MSP, commit to investigate this issue further, we want to do more.
“Women for Independence/Independence for Women wishes to to campaign on this issue, to ensure this promise becomes an universal service for all women in Scotland.
“Discussions around women’s rights and issues are usually framed around common themes such as childbirth, sexuality, contraception and abortion.
“Historically and presently, menstruation is taboo and almost invisible. That is unless it can be used for tax purposes to pay for women’s health care and refuges. We live in a society where it’s easier to access stop smoking aids than it is to access period products.
“I always hear people ask what type of issue is it? Is it health, finance, hygiene or barriers to education/social inclusion?
“We at WFI firmly believe that access to period products is a human rights issue.
“It should not be bracketed off into a neat little box that no-one dare discuss, critique or analyse. There are many complexities around why some women are not able to access period products. The bottom line is that no woman should ever have to ask for or go without these essential items.
“Menstrual stigma and not having access to period products creates a negative impact on health, well-being and the agency of women.
“By filling out and sharing the survey with those in your family, community and network, hopefully we can work with other sto help the #FreePeriodScotland campaign.”
https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/FreePeriodScotland
For further information, please contact Victoria Heaney – vhsc123@hotmail.co.uk
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