No-one should be forced to go without sanitary products because they can't afford them says Girlguides
Girlguiding Scotland members have joined the campaign to end period poverty in Scotland.
The charity for girls and young women in Scotland is backing the call to ensure no-one is forced to go without sanitary products because they can't afford them.
Guides and senior section members will be doing their part to end period poverty by collecting washbags and toiletries for their local foodbanks, while the charity is also encouraging Leaders to make sanitary products available at unit meeting spaces and to help girls tackle the stigma around periods.
Monica Lennon MSP, who recently launched a consultation on a members' bill to end period poverty, said: "Access to sanitary products should be a basic right, but sadly in Scotland we know not everyone can afford or obtain what they need.
"I'm delighted to see Girlguiding Scotland joining the campaign to end period poverty and ensure no-one misses out on opportunities at work, school or after school because they can't afford basic sanitary products.
"By making supplies available at unit meetings, collecting toiletries for their communities and talking positively about periods they're helping to tackle the stigma and end period poverty for good."
Katie Horsburgh, 17, a Girlguiding Advocate, attended the launch of Lennon's consultation to end period poverty.
She says: "Sanitary products aren't a luxury - they're an essential product and no-one should miss out on opportunities, face isolation or embarrassment simply because they can't afford them.
"I'm proud Girlguiding Scotland members are speaking out and tacking action to tackle the stigma around this important issue and make sure no-one is held back by period poverty."
Girlguiding Scotland offers girls aged five to 25 a space to try new experiences, learn new skills grow in confidence and have fun through an action-packed programme encompassing everything camping to campaigning, outdoor adventure to international travel.
