Which Countries Offer Free Period Products?
From pioneering legislation to innovative public programs, several countries have recognized menstrual products as essential items. Here’s a look at places leading the way toward menstrual equity.
🇬🇧 Scotland – World’s First National Law
In 2021, Scotland passed the Period Products (Free Provision) Act, legally requiring public institutions — including schools, libraries, and community centers — to supply free period products to anyone who needs them periodjustice.com.au+14en.wikipedia.org+14globalcitizen.org+14time.com+2cnn.com+2apnews.com+2. This landmark act, effective from August 2022, made Scotland the first country globally to guarantee this right euronews.com+1bbc.com+1.
🇬🇧 Northern Ireland – Following Scotland's Lead
In 2022, Northern Ireland enacted the Period Products (Free Provision) Act, mirroring Scotland’s approach and expanding free product access across public institutions as of spring 2024 theguardian.com+15en.wikipedia.org+15en.wikipedia.org+15.
🇪🇸 Catalonia (Spain) – Reusable Products for All
Catalonia launched a groundbreaking program in 2024 called “My Period, My Rules”, distributing free menstrual cups, period underwear, and cloth pads to around 2.5 million people via pharmacies apnews.com+1en.wikipedia.org+1. This initiative combats menstrual poverty while promoting sustainable alternatives.
🇦🇺 Victoria (Australia) – Vending Machines Roll-Out
Victoria state has begun rolling out free sanitary product vending machines across public buildings like libraries, hospitals, and museums. An initial 50 machines are planned to expand to 1,500 by 2025 — making period products as accessible as toilet paper apnews.com+15theguardian.com+15apnews.com+15.
🇹🇼 Taiwan – Urban Access & Period Empowerment
Thanks to activist Vivi Lin, Taiwan now provides free period products in metro stations and public buildings, aided by a user-friendly "period-friendly map" en.wikipedia.org. It may be the first in Asia to offer nationwide free products in public transit hubs.
🌿 Global Snapshots
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New Zealand, Canada (selected provinces), UK schools, and several U.S. states also offer free pads/tampons in schools and universities washingtonpost.com+1cnn.com+1.
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South Africa and Kenya supply free pads in public schools; Botswana and Zambia have similar initiatives for adolescent girls .
🌱 Why This Matters
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Period poverty impacts millions — forcing choices between menstrual products and essentials like food or heating bbc.com+10time.com+10voanews.com+10.
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Free access promotes dignity, supports education attendance, reduces stigma, and empowers individuals to participate fully in society .
✅ What You Can Do
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Support policies that classify menstrual products as essentials.
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Share successful models like Scotland's and Catalonia’s for local advocacy.
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Donate or volunteer with NGOs fighting period poverty.
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Choose reusable options, like menstrual cups or underwear, to reduce both waste and costs.
📚 For More Info
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Scotland’s Period Products Act on Wikipedia washingtonpost.com+6glamour.com+6npr.org+6glamour.com+10bbc.com+10globalcitizen.org+10apnews.com+15en.wikipedia.org+15time.com+15
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Catalonia's "My period, my rules" program apnews.com+1en.wikipedia.org+1
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Victoria's free-vending program → Australia innovation theguardian.com+1en.wikipedia.org+1
Let’s build a world where no one has to worry about accessing period products. To make a difference in your community, use these international examples as inspiration — and keep the conversation going.
