It's great to see Scotland leading the way in making free period products available. But we need to see more countries following suit. 🩸 ❌ The average woman in the UK spends around £5,000 in her lifetime on period products. ❌ UN Women's research found that 27% of girls and women worldwide said that not having access to proper menstrual hygiene practices negatively affects their sexual and reproductive health. ❌ In the many parts of the world where women and girls don't have access to safe and clean toilet facilities to change tampons, pads or cups during their period, they are at increased risk of sexual violence during their period. ❌ The COVID pandemic and rising costs of living are increasing period poverty in the UK and worldwide. ❌ Plan UK found that almost 2 million girls aged 14-21 in the UK have missed a part or full day of school because of their period, with 13% of girls missing an entire school day at least once a month. ❌ Until the start of 2021, period products were taxed as a luxury, non-essential item in the UK. Many of you in our community have already written to the UK Government, asking them to make periods free for all. Will they be the next to join Scotland in ending a tax that creates yet another wealth gap? 🤔 @scotgov @plan_uk