Monday May 25th 2026
Council officer Lorraine Mohr with St Paul's pupils as schools across the city benefit from period products
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Sarah Hilley
More than 400 buildings in Glasgow now have free period products with the city council nominated for a European award for the achievement.
Schools, foodbanks, libraries and leisure centres are among the places women and girls can get products across the city.
There is also an app directing people to the nearest venue offering sanitary towels and tampons called pickupmyperiod available on Apple and Android.
The project has a widespread impact on lives; ranging from school pupils not having to go home or miss PE after unexpectedly getting their period to helping families with teenage girls who rely on foodbanks. Homeless people have also been benefiting.
The city has now been shortlisted for the City Initiative Eurocities 2026 award on breaking gendered poverty cycles for its work on period dignity and providing free products – with the ceremony taking place in June.
Pointing out Glasgow is a “best practice city for period dignity,” council senior policy officer in education services, Lorraine Mohr, said: “We are a very unique project across Europe.”
“This is essential healthcare. It is not a choice to have a period. This is healthcare for everyone.”
Reacting to the award nomination, Ms Mohr said: “To get international recognition that Glasgow has done something positive for all the women and girls in the city is absolutely fantastic.
“They have thought: ‘wow what a fantastic thing that could be replicated across cities.’”
Pointing out how “pricey” period products are, Ms Mohr said reusable options are also available in a number of buildings.
Commenting on feedback received from the public at pop up events , she said: “The response is always very overwhelmingly positive. We have a lot of men wanting to take some for their wives and daughters as well.”
Councillor Christina Cannon, city convener for education and early years, said: “Period products are a right, not a luxury, and we’re proud to be shortlisted for this prestigious award recognising the importance of this work in our city.
“We continue to expand our Period Dignity programme, increasing access to reusable products in more venues, strengthening partnerships with schools and the third sector, and supporting other cities to develop their own models.
“The council remains committed to normalising conversations around periods while ensuring dignity, choice and sustainability are at the heart of everything we do.”
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