Man appointed as menstrual health lead in Scotland; critics bash ‘absurd’ move

menstruation

Known for its progressive legislation on period rights, Scotland is now drawing criticism for a menstrual health group appointing a man as a regional leader.

Jason Grant, a former tobacco sales rep and personal trainer, was hired to be the new regional lead for the country’s Period Dignity group, earlier this week. The hiring is funded by the Scottish government but chosen by a local team of councils and colleges, according to BBC.

Grant’s role, according to The Scotsman, will be to lead regional campaigns across schools, colleges and wider communities to raise awareness of the country’s new law on free period products and ensure Scottish Government funding is dispersed accurately. The position will be based in the country’s Tayside region.

The announcement almost immediately drew backlash, with former tennis star and women’s rights advocate Martina Navratilova blasting the appointment on Twitter.

She wrote, “This is just (expletive) ridiculous. Have we ever tried to explain to men how to shave or how to take care of their prostate or whatever?!? This is absurd.”

Ian Blackford, the Westminster lead from Scotland’s National party, told Sky News Grant’s appointing was more of an anomaly. “At the end of the day, I think there should be a priority of having women in place in these posts,” Blackford told the outlet.

The Period Dignity group defended its appointment, telling BBC, “The role builds on some fantastic work which has been gathering speed across the Tay region for several years, led by a passionate group of people of all genders, ages and backgrounds. By changing the culture, encouraging debate and removing the stigma around periods, we look forward to supporting the delivery of this important work across the region.”

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