As of last week, Scotland became the first country in the world to make period products, like pads and tampons, free of charge for anyone who might need them. The Scottish Parliament was able to unanimously pass the Period Products Bill, which creates a legal obligation for the Scottish government to ensure that all sanitary products, like pads and tampons, are both accessible and free of charge to those who menstruate. This includes having tampons and pads in public facilities across the nation.
A Proud Day for Scotland
According to the Scottish government, the estimates regarding the cost to implement the Period Products Bill will cost about £24 million annually or almost $32 million. The Bill was originally introduced by Monica Lennon, who is a Scottish parliament member. She aimed to tackle the problem of “period poverty.” This involves people who struggle to afford period products but need them. Once the Bill was passed, Lennon tweeted that she believed there could be free universal access to period products.
Lennon also mentioned that Scotland would not be the last country to make this kind of history when it came to period poverty. She added that it’s a world-leading opportunity to secure this “period dignity” for women, girls, and everyone who menstruates. Back in 2018, Scotland made period products free of charge in schools including colleges and universities.
Period Poverty Around the World
In the United States, no law provides sanitary products free of charge nationwide. Some states have moved to remove “tampon tax” or provide the sanitary products free of charge in school bathrooms.
According to studies done in recent times, the average person spends about $13.25 each month on menstrual products. This can be about $6,360 in a lifetime (from age 12 to 52). 72% of the people surveyed feel that the government should provide free period products to everyone.
Mannon Gallegly Donates Tomato Seeds to Developing Countries
Retired plant pathologist Mannon Gallegly spent 71 years tinkering with tomatoes, trying to create vegetables resistant to diseases. The sweet fruits derived from Gallegly’s labor now will be enjoyed by developing nations worldwide that are troubled by the food supply problems.
West Virginia Plant Pathologist Donates Tomato Seeds
After years of hard work, Mannon created tomatoes that are resistant to infestations and many other vegetable diseases. In an attempt to contribute to society, he is donating the seeds of tomatoes that are resistant to diseases to the World Vegetable Center. It is a global-recognized nonprofit academy dedicated to the development and research of vegetables. The World Vegetable Center’s objective is to reduce poverty and malnutrition in developing countries by improving the quality of food production.
Helping Through the Years
Mannon has developed many such tomato alterations throughout his career in West Virginia. In 1963, he developed what was originally called the West Virginia ’63 – People tomato. In 2017, he released two tomato varieties – one was the West Virginia 17A: Mountaineer Pride, while the other was West Virginia 17B: Mountaineer Delight.
Fred King, Vice President of Research, said that Mannon’s work shows how the research done by them has impacts that last through the years and help many lives in the world.
What’s Special About the Seeds
The tomato seeds developed by Gallegly and donated to the center are fungus resistant. Gallegly has taken care of Septoria, which is a fungus that leads to leaf spot diseases, leading to loss of yield.
Nurturing the Word
More of these seeds are to be developed to give to the developing countries. This research will help to get better food sources for poor countries. The seeds will be traveling across the world that needs nourishment.
Mannon’s History and Accomplishments
Gallegly did his doctorate at the University of Wisconsin back in 1949. Plant pathology was his area of interest. He then joined West Virginia University became an Assistant Professor there. His hard work landed him the position of Director, Plant, and Soil Sciences Division. He has received many awards in his lifetime, like AAAS Campbell Soup.