Thursday July 16th 2026
Council senior policy officer in education services, Lorraine Mohr, (right) and other team members at a period dignity pop up event
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Sarah Hilley
Free period products will be offered to Commonwealth Games spectators and athletes in Glasgow.
Products will be delivered to hotels in the city and a pop up event is to be held at the St Enoch Centre on July 29 during the international event.
The scheme builds on award-nominated work that has taken place as 400 buildings in Glasgow already offer free sanitary towels and tampons.
Glasgow City Council’s period dignity partner Simon Community Scotland will be placing products in hotels on Monday in time for the huge international sporting event, which kicks off on Thursday.
Councillor Christina Cannon, council city convener for education and early years, said: “As Glasgow once again takes to the world stage to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games, we’ll be using this opportunity to shine a light on our city’s Period Dignity initiative. We want to normalise conversations about periods and break down the stigma that sadly still exists, and what better place to do that than at an international event that will welcome thousands of people from around the globe?
“We hope to see as many people as possible at our pop-up events, where they can try the newest reusable products, and we’ll also be working with venues and hotels across the city to ensure a wide range of products are freely available, easy to access and fully stocked for athletes, visitors, and residents.
“Period products are a right, not a luxury, and we hope Glasgow’s approach will inspire other cities to join the conversation and help drive positive, lasting change.”
Glasgow’s period dignity officer, Lorraine Mohr, said: “Research shows that participation in sport often declines during secondary school, with unsuitable period products being a contributing factor.
“We want to encourage more people to try reusable products which offer longer wear times and greater comfort, helping people feel more confident to stay active. By encouraging people to explore reusable options that work for them, we hope to reduce barriers and support greater participation in sport across the city.”
The city was shortlisted for the City Initiative Eurocities 2026 award on breaking gendered poverty cycles for its work on period dignity and providing free products.
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.
There is also an app directing people to the nearest venue offering sanitary towels and tampons called pickupmyperiod available on Apple and Android.
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