Scotland appoints a man as "period dignity officer"
Local authorities in Scotland have come under fire for appointing a man to the role of "period dignity officer".
A group of colleges and local councils in Tay region in eastern Scotland announced the appointment of Jason Grant, who will be responsible for coordinating the region's response to a new law that makes menstrual products free to access in the country.
Jason Grant previously worked as a student wellbeing officer at a local college before being appointed to the controversial role, which has caused outrage.
Many critics believe a woman would be better suited to the role, and were confused why a man would be considered for the job.
Retired tennis star Martina Navratilova commented on the news of his appointment, calling it "f**king ridiculous" on her Twitter account.
"Have we ever tried to explain to men how to shave or how to take care of their prostate or whatever?!? This is absurd," she wrote.
Barrister Charlotte Proudman also questioned why a man was appointed to the role.
"I remember at school, girls used sanitary pads because tampons were unaffordable," she tweeted. "What experience does Jason Grant have of this? I'm all *for* men's support - but let's have women lead on our experiences."
Grant's role is the first of its kind in Scotland.
"He will coordinate and streamline the approach to 'Period Dignity' across the area by working directly with the colleges and local authorities," Grainger PR said in a press release announcing the appointment.
"Jason will lead a regional campaign across schools, colleges and wider communities, raising awareness and understanding of the new Act and ensuring that the Scottish Government funding is allocated appropriately," it said.
The Period Products Act came into force earlier this week and means that menstrual products, including tampons and pads, will be made available free of charge in public facilities in Scotland.
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