An “important” milestone has been reached for a mobile app which helps people find free period products across Scotland, says Social Justice Secretary Shona Robison.
The PickUpMyPeriod locator app is now linked to more than 1000 places across the country.
The app was launched in January and points people to locations where they can receive free access to period products.
Robison said: “The PickUpMyPeriod locator now connects to over 1000 locations across Scotland, making it easier than ever for people to access free period products when they need them.
“This is more important than ever at a time when people are making difficult choices due to the rising cost of living.”
The app is part of the work that saw Scotland become the first country in the world to make free period products widely available.
The Period Products (Scotland) Bill puts a legal duty on local authorities to ensure that free products are available in their facilities, including schools.
The Social Justice Secretary also confirmed that funding had been granted to a period dignity website and that improvements have been made to the menstrual health resources available to teachers.
Marking World Menstrual Hygiene Day, Robison also highlighted Scottish Government support to help Rwandans make and see reusable products in their communities.
She added: “As we celebrate these world-leading achievements this Menstrual Hygiene Day, it is important to remember that not everyone has access to period products.
“However, it is inspiring to see other countries around the world taking our approach to period dignity.”
The Scottish Government has provided WaterAid with £100,000 to equip women in the African country with the skills, tools and materials they need to produce affordable and reusable period pads, enabling them to create a steady income.
WaterAid Scotland’s Elizabeth McKernan said: “This year, we are focusing on the importance of having the right information and the right products and resources needed for a safe, healthy period.
“We believe that no one should be left in the dark, or in the red, when it comes to periods.
“That means making sure that people have decent education about their menstrual cycle and menstrual hygiene, clean water to wash with, decent toilets to manager their period and sanitary products to keep clean.
“We welcome the important work here in Scotland by the Scottish Government and their support for our work in Rwanda, which is helping women and girls to manage their period with dignity.”
