Scottish Council Hires Man As Period Dignity Officer Sparking Criticism

Scotland made history this week when it became the first country to offer free pads, tampons and other period products nationally. But now he is already at the center of fierce criticism – after a group of local councils near the capital Edinburgh hired a man as the area’s first ‘period dignity officer’. Councils and colleges in the Tay Cities region have tapped Jason Grant — a former tobacconist and fitness trainer — to raise awareness of the new law and promote access to free menstrual products in schools and communities. Candidates should have a “successful track record of engaging and empowering a wide range of people … particularly, young people who are menstruating,” the job description said. In a world first, Scotland is offering tampons and pads for free Grant’s hiring was actually announced last week — but the firestorm surrounding his appointment didn’t begin until after the law went into effect Tuesday, garnering worldwide attention. Having a man as period dignity officer is “ridiculous”, world tennis star Martina Navratilova tweeted. Scottish columnist Susan Dalgety said: “Wonder if she’s ever experienced the horror of a blood-stained dress in public or the terrifying fear of a missed period? No, I didn’t think so.” Jason, Scotland’s 1st period dignity officer (he’s the bloke in the red polo shirt) explaining menstruation to a couple of women. Wonder if she’s ever experienced the horror of a bloody dress in public or the terrifying fear of a missed period? No, I didn’t think so. pic.twitter.com/HX7aZ4DBoZ — Susan Dalgety (@DalgetySusan) August 15, 2022 In an interview with the local Courier newspaper earlier this week, Grant said he knew his hiring would grab the headlines but wanted to be seen “as a positive male role model”. “For me it’s about leading the conversation from a young age to include boys and girls and I don’t hide it because that keeps it a taboo subject,” she said. The Scottish Parliament has approved legislation to make menstrual products free and available in public places in 2020, building on an existing policy that offered free pads and tampons to schools and universities. The new law will expand access to include places such as youth clubs, pharmacies and community centres. The policies are part of a global movement to end “period poverty,” a term used to describe “the struggle many low-income women and girls face while trying to purchase menstrual products,” according to the United Nations Population Fund Nations. “The term also refers to the increased economic vulnerability faced by women and girls due to the financial burden caused by period supplies. These include not only menstrual pads and tampons, but also related costs such as painkillers and underwear,” the UN agency says. A recent study found that 1 in 4 women enrolled in educational institutions in Scotland had trouble accessing menstrual products before they were free. On Tuesday, Ian Blackford, leader of the Scottish National Party, told Sky News that having a woman in Grant’s position would be “much better”, adding that the move to make periodicals free was a policy that all Scots should be proud. Monica Lennon, the Labor member responsible for leading the four-year campaign for period equality, struck a more diplomatic tone, saying: “There is a role for men to take leadership roles and contribute to positive and respectful debates, while ensuring that the voices of women, girls and people who menstruate are never silenced,” reported Britain’s Guardian newspaper. “I think being a man will help me break down barriers, reduce stigma and encourage more open conversations,” Grant said in a press release announcing his appointment. “It’s time to normalize these issues and get real about it,” he said.

title: “Scottish Council Hires Man As Period Dignity Officer Sparking Criticism Klmat” ShowToc: true date: “2022-11-08” author: “Peter Collins”

Scotland made history this week when it became the first country to offer free pads, tampons and other period products nationally. But now he is already at the center of fierce criticism – after a group of local councils near the capital Edinburgh hired a man as the area’s first ‘period dignity officer’. Councils and colleges in the Tay Cities region have tapped Jason Grant — a former tobacconist and fitness trainer — to raise awareness of the new law and promote access to free menstrual products in schools and communities. Candidates should have a “successful track record of engaging and empowering a wide range of people … particularly, young people who are menstruating,” the job description said. In a world first, Scotland is offering tampons and pads for free Grant’s hiring was actually announced last week — but the firestorm surrounding his appointment didn’t begin until after the law went into effect Tuesday, garnering worldwide attention. Having a man as period dignity officer is “ridiculous”, world tennis star Martina Navratilova tweeted. Scottish columnist Susan Dalgety said: “Wonder if she’s ever experienced the horror of a blood-stained dress in public or the terrifying fear of a missed period? No, I didn’t think so.” Jason, Scotland’s 1st period dignity officer (he’s the bloke in the red polo shirt) explaining menstruation to a couple of women. Wonder if she’s ever experienced the horror of a bloody dress in public or the terrifying fear of a missed period? No, I didn’t think so. pic.twitter.com/HX7aZ4DBoZ — Susan Dalgety (@DalgetySusan) August 15, 2022 In an interview with the local Courier newspaper earlier this week, Grant said he knew his hiring would grab the headlines but wanted to be seen “as a positive male role model”. “For me it’s about leading the conversation from a young age to include boys and girls and I don’t hide it because that keeps it a taboo subject,” she said. The Scottish Parliament has approved legislation to make menstrual products free and available in public places in 2020, building on an existing policy that offered free pads and tampons to schools and universities. The new law will expand access to include places such as youth clubs, pharmacies and community centres. The policies are part of a global movement to end “period poverty,” a term used to describe “the struggle many low-income women and girls face while trying to purchase menstrual products,” according to the United Nations Population Fund Nations. “The term also refers to the increased economic vulnerability faced by women and girls due to the financial burden caused by period supplies. These include not only menstrual pads and tampons, but also related costs such as painkillers and underwear,” the UN agency says. A recent study found that 1 in 4 women enrolled in educational institutions in Scotland had trouble accessing menstrual products before they were free. On Tuesday, Ian Blackford, leader of the Scottish National Party, told Sky News that having a woman in Grant’s position would be “much better”, adding that the move to make periodicals free was a policy that all Scots should be proud. Monica Lennon, the Labor member responsible for leading the four-year campaign for period equality, struck a more diplomatic tone, saying: “There is a role for men to take leadership roles and contribute to positive and respectful debates, while ensuring that the voices of women, girls and people who menstruate are never silenced,” reported Britain’s Guardian newspaper. “I think being a man will help me break down barriers, reduce stigma and encourage more open conversations,” Grant said in a press release announcing his appointment. “It’s time to normalize these issues and get real about it,” he said.

title: “Scottish Council Hires Man As Period Dignity Officer Sparking Criticism Klmat” ShowToc: true date: “2022-11-20” author: “Joseph Brooks”

Scotland made history this week when it became the first country to offer free pads, tampons and other period products nationally. But now he is already at the center of fierce criticism – after a group of local councils near the capital Edinburgh hired a man as the area’s first ‘period dignity officer’. Councils and colleges in the Tay Cities region have tapped Jason Grant — a former tobacconist and fitness trainer — to raise awareness of the new law and promote access to free menstrual products in schools and communities. Candidates should have a “successful track record of engaging and empowering a wide range of people … particularly, young people who are menstruating,” the job description said. In a world first, Scotland is offering tampons and pads for free Grant’s hiring was actually announced last week — but the firestorm surrounding his appointment didn’t begin until after the law went into effect Tuesday, garnering worldwide attention. Having a man as period dignity officer is “ridiculous”, world tennis star Martina Navratilova tweeted. Scottish columnist Susan Dalgety said: “Wonder if she’s ever experienced the horror of a blood-stained dress in public or the terrifying fear of a missed period? No, I didn’t think so.” Jason, Scotland’s 1st period dignity officer (he’s the bloke in the red polo shirt) explaining menstruation to a couple of women. Wonder if she’s ever experienced the horror of a bloody dress in public or the terrifying fear of a missed period? No, I didn’t think so. pic.twitter.com/HX7aZ4DBoZ — Susan Dalgety (@DalgetySusan) August 15, 2022 In an interview with the local Courier newspaper earlier this week, Grant said he knew his hiring would grab the headlines but wanted to be seen “as a positive male role model”. “For me it’s about leading the conversation from a young age to include boys and girls and I don’t hide it because that keeps it a taboo subject,” she said. The Scottish Parliament has approved legislation to make menstrual products free and available in public places in 2020, building on an existing policy that offered free pads and tampons to schools and universities. The new law will expand access to include places such as youth clubs, pharmacies and community centres. The policies are part of a global movement to end “period poverty,” a term used to describe “the struggle many low-income women and girls face while trying to purchase menstrual products,” according to the United Nations Population Fund Nations. “The term also refers to the increased economic vulnerability faced by women and girls due to the financial burden caused by period supplies. These include not only menstrual pads and tampons, but also related costs such as painkillers and underwear,” the UN agency says. A recent study found that 1 in 4 women enrolled in educational institutions in Scotland had trouble accessing menstrual products before they were free. On Tuesday, Ian Blackford, leader of the Scottish National Party, told Sky News that having a woman in Grant’s position would be “much better”, adding that the move to make periodicals free was a policy that all Scots should be proud. Monica Lennon, the Labor member responsible for leading the four-year campaign for period equality, struck a more diplomatic tone, saying: “There is a role for men to take leadership roles and contribute to positive and respectful debates, while ensuring that the voices of women, girls and people who menstruate are never silenced,” reported Britain’s Guardian newspaper. “I think being a man will help me break down barriers, reduce stigma and encourage more open conversations,” Grant said in a press release announcing his appointment. “It’s time to normalize these issues and get real about it,” he said.

title: “Scottish Council Hires Man As Period Dignity Officer Sparking Criticism Klmat” ShowToc: true date: “2022-12-08” author: “John Bass”

Scotland made history this week when it became the first country to offer free pads, tampons and other period products nationally. But now he is already at the center of fierce criticism – after a group of local councils near the capital Edinburgh hired a man as the area’s first ‘period dignity officer’. Councils and colleges in the Tay Cities region have tapped Jason Grant — a former tobacconist and fitness trainer — to raise awareness of the new law and promote access to free menstrual products in schools and communities. Candidates should have a “successful track record of engaging and empowering a wide range of people … particularly, young people who are menstruating,” the job description said. In a world first, Scotland is offering tampons and pads for free Grant’s hiring was actually announced last week — but the firestorm surrounding his appointment didn’t begin until after the law went into effect Tuesday, garnering worldwide attention. Having a man as period dignity officer is “ridiculous”, world tennis star Martina Navratilova tweeted. Scottish columnist Susan Dalgety said: “Wonder if she’s ever experienced the horror of a blood-stained dress in public or the terrifying fear of a missed period? No, I didn’t think so.” Jason, Scotland’s 1st period dignity officer (he’s the bloke in the red polo shirt) explaining menstruation to a couple of women. Wonder if she’s ever experienced the horror of a bloody dress in public or the terrifying fear of a missed period? No, I didn’t think so. pic.twitter.com/HX7aZ4DBoZ — Susan Dalgety (@DalgetySusan) August 15, 2022 In an interview with the local Courier newspaper earlier this week, Grant said he knew his hiring would grab the headlines but wanted to be seen “as a positive male role model”. “For me it’s about leading the conversation from a young age to include boys and girls and I don’t hide it because that keeps it a taboo subject,” she said. The Scottish Parliament has approved legislation to make menstrual products free and available in public places in 2020, building on an existing policy that offered free pads and tampons to schools and universities. The new law will expand access to include places such as youth clubs, pharmacies and community centres. The policies are part of a global movement to end “period poverty,” a term used to describe “the struggle many low-income women and girls face while trying to purchase menstrual products,” according to the United Nations Population Fund Nations. “The term also refers to the increased economic vulnerability faced by women and girls due to the financial burden caused by period supplies. These include not only menstrual pads and tampons, but also related costs such as painkillers and underwear,” the UN agency says. A recent study found that 1 in 4 women enrolled in educational institutions in Scotland had trouble accessing menstrual products before they were free. On Tuesday, Ian Blackford, leader of the Scottish National Party, told Sky News that having a woman in Grant’s position would be “much better”, adding that the move to make periodicals free was a policy that all Scots should be proud. Monica Lennon, the Labor member responsible for leading the four-year campaign for period equality, struck a more diplomatic tone, saying: “There is a role for men to take leadership roles and contribute to positive and respectful debates, while ensuring that the voices of women, girls and people who menstruate are never silenced,” reported Britain’s Guardian newspaper. “I think being a man will help me break down barriers, reduce stigma and encourage more open conversations,” Grant said in a press release announcing his appointment. “It’s time to normalize these issues and get real about it,” he said.

title: “Scottish Council Hires Man As Period Dignity Officer Sparking Criticism Klmat” ShowToc: true date: “2022-10-22” author: “Tamica Morgan”

Scotland made history this week when it became the first country to offer free pads, tampons and other period products nationally. But now he is already at the center of fierce criticism – after a group of local councils near the capital Edinburgh hired a man as the area’s first ‘period dignity officer’. Councils and colleges in the Tay Cities region have tapped Jason Grant — a former tobacconist and fitness trainer — to raise awareness of the new law and promote access to free menstrual products in schools and communities. Candidates should have a “successful track record of engaging and empowering a wide range of people … particularly, young people who are menstruating,” the job description said. In a world first, Scotland is offering tampons and pads for free Grant’s hiring was actually announced last week — but the firestorm surrounding his appointment didn’t begin until after the law went into effect Tuesday, garnering worldwide attention. Having a man as period dignity officer is “ridiculous”, world tennis star Martina Navratilova tweeted. Scottish columnist Susan Dalgety said: “Wonder if she’s ever experienced the horror of a blood-stained dress in public or the terrifying fear of a missed period? No, I didn’t think so.” Jason, Scotland’s 1st period dignity officer (he’s the bloke in the red polo shirt) explaining menstruation to a couple of women. Wonder if she’s ever experienced the horror of a bloody dress in public or the terrifying fear of a missed period? No, I didn’t think so. pic.twitter.com/HX7aZ4DBoZ — Susan Dalgety (@DalgetySusan) August 15, 2022 In an interview with the local Courier newspaper earlier this week, Grant said he knew his hiring would grab the headlines but wanted to be seen “as a positive male role model”. “For me it’s about leading the conversation from a young age to include boys and girls and I don’t hide it because that keeps it a taboo subject,” she said. The Scottish Parliament has approved legislation to make menstrual products free and available in public places in 2020, building on an existing policy that offered free pads and tampons to schools and universities. The new law will expand access to include places such as youth clubs, pharmacies and community centres. The policies are part of a global movement to end “period poverty,” a term used to describe “the struggle many low-income women and girls face while trying to purchase menstrual products,” according to the United Nations Population Fund Nations. “The term also refers to the increased economic vulnerability faced by women and girls due to the financial burden caused by period supplies. These include not only menstrual pads and tampons, but also related costs such as painkillers and underwear,” the UN agency says. A recent study found that 1 in 4 women enrolled in educational institutions in Scotland had trouble accessing menstrual products before they were free. On Tuesday, Ian Blackford, leader of the Scottish National Party, told Sky News that having a woman in Grant’s position would be “much better”, adding that the move to make periodicals free was a policy that all Scots should be proud. Monica Lennon, the Labor member responsible for leading the four-year campaign for period equality, struck a more diplomatic tone, saying: “There is a role for men to take leadership roles and contribute to positive and respectful debates, while ensuring that the voices of women, girls and people who menstruate are never silenced,” reported Britain’s Guardian newspaper. “I think being a man will help me break down barriers, reduce stigma and encourage more open conversations,” Grant said in a press release announcing his appointment. “It’s time to normalize these issues and get real about it,” he said.