The SNP’s appointment of a male as the nation’s first ever period dignity officer has sparked a massive uproar in Scotland.
Following the enactment of the Period Goods Act, Jason Grant has been tasked with increasing access to free sanitary products in the Tay area of Scotland.
Mr. Grant, a business entrepreneur and fitness trainer, feels his gender will “promote more open conversation” on the matter.
Critics, meanwhile, have accused the council of “institutionalized mansplaining” and “peak gender foolishness.”
Mr. Grant, who will also cover menopause-related concerns, said, “It’s about making people aware of the availability of period products for everyone, regardless of gender, anytime they need them.”
I believe being a male will assist me in breaking down barriers, reducing stigma, and promoting more open talks. Although they immediately impact women, periods are a problem for everyone.
We will also promote awareness of the menopause, which, although being a normal occurrence for women, has far-reaching effects on the workplace and family life.
Critics, such as tennis star Martina Navratilova, deemed the decision absurd. She said, “Have we ever attempted to teach guys how to shave or take care of their prostate, or anything else? This is ridiculous.
Frances Barber, an actress, described the choice as “strange,” adding, “I don’t know how Scottish women feel about this, but as an English admirer of Scotland, I’m furious.”
The selection was also criticized by Baroness Fox, who called it “peek gender stupidity.”
She said, “When the Welsh [government’s] period advertising addressed individuals who bleed without mentioning women and girls, we felt it Represented peak gender ignorance.”
But, oh no, hold my drink, the Scottish government is come to increase humiliation.
Susan Dalgety said that selecting a man to the role is “institutionalized mansplanning.”
“I wonder whether he has ever endured the agony of a blood-stained clothing in public or the gut-wrenching dread of a missing period. “I didn’t think so,” she said.
It is about bringing period items to the attention of all genders, he explains. I have some bad news for you, Jason: only females menstruate. Any more questions? PMS? Endometriosis?
“I agree that boys should be educated more about menstruation, but choosing a guy as the first period dignity officer is institutionalized mansplaining.”
Ian Blackford, head of the SNP, told Sky News that a woman would have been a better fit for the position.
He said, “I believe it is essential that we have personnel in place to guarantee that women are supported as much as they should be.”
“I believe it is crucial that we get the policy right, that we execute it, and that, as a matter of principle, women should occupy these positions rather than males.”
Neale Hanvey, a Scottish member of parliament, commented, “It seems unfathomable that a young man without menstrual experience is qualified to handle the requirements of prepubescent females at this delicate time of development.”
“Extremely irresponsible choice that provides apparent dangers to all parties concerned.” Young ladies who are vulnerable deserve more than this. What a horrible circumstance!’
The Act went into effect in Scotland on Monday, mandating that municipalities and educational institutions supply tampons and sanitary towels to anybody in need.
The Bill was first proposed by Labour health spokesperson Monica Lennon and enacted in November 2020; it aims to abolish period poverty and assist financially struggling families.
It became legislation earlier this week after receiving the backing of the Scottish Government and the major opposition parties at Holyrood, where it was overwhelmingly supported by MSPs.
Mr. Grant, a former personal trainer from Dundee, was employed to supervise the act’s promotion. The Scottish Government funds the appointment, although it is not a government job.
According to his LinkedIn profile, he formerly served as a Student Wellbeing Officer at Dundee and Angus College.
Many, however, have voiced displeasure at the decision to appoint a male to the position, with some resorting to social media to criticize the SNP for its choice.
‘Oh my God! When will this foolishness end? Having a male serve as Scotland’s ‘period dignity officer’ would, of course, be comfortable and respectful for young women,’ wrote one individual.
Another commented, “Making a male the period dignity officer seems like a horrible joke.” Yet again, the SNP has insulted and disrespected women by selecting a male Tayside period dignity officer, whatever that is, remarked another.
Where is the decency in demeaning women and girls constantly?
One individual said that they were “extremely shocked” by the decision.
They said, “Because women are incapable of maintaining their own dignity, we must appoint a male #RethinkTheAppointment.”
Others, however, questioned whether the position was essential at all.
One said, “I’m not certain that assigning a “period dignity officer” is the wisest use of public funds.”
“There are many other demands [and] needs in Scottish society that may benefit from the sum required for this pay and its attendant expenses. But maybe they would generate less publicity!’
Another remarked, “Why do we even need a period dignity officer?” “Spending additional tax dollars to inform individuals that they are eligible for free sanitary items”
Mr. Grant told the Dundee Courier, “I am ecstatic about it.”
Scotland is the first country to implement this policy.
It is about raising awareness of the availability of period products for anybody, regardless of gender, anytime they are needed.
And it is essential that whatever we do, we do with dignity, so that people know there is no judgment.
A spokesperson for the Period Dignity Working Group, which is comprised of Dundee and Angus College, Angus Council, Dundee City Council, and Perth College, stated, ‘This new role, funded by the Scottish Government, was created to promote and implement new legislation that focuses specifically on project management.
The post is a continuation of the wonderful work that has been gaining momentum in the Tay area for some years, headed by a group of dedicated individuals of different genders, ages, and origins.
“Among all partners in the Equal Opportunities Employers working group, Jason was the most qualified applicant.
We look forward to assisting the implementation of this vital work across the area by altering the culture, promoting discussion, and eradicating the stigma around menstruation.
The SNP has been contacted by MailOnline for comment.