Critics are accusing the Scottish National Party council of “institutionalized mansplaining” after appointing a man as the country’s first “period dignity officer.”
Jason Grant was given the position for the Tay region of Scotland and will be responsible for promoting access to free sanitary products and encouraging open discussion surrounding menstruation and menopause under the country’s newly passed “Period Products Act.”
“It’s about making people aware of the availability of period products for anyone, of any gender, whenever they need it,” Grant told the Daily Mail.
“I think being a man will help me to break down barriers, reduce stigma, and encourage more open discussions. Although affecting women directly, periods are an issue for everyone.”
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But critics are calling the appointment “absurd” and “peak gender idiocy.”
“Have we ever tried to explain to men how to shave, or how to take care of their prostate, or whatever?” Wimbledon star Martina Navratilova tweeted in reaction to Grant’s appointment. “This is absurd.”
Have we ever tried to explain to men how to shave or how to take care of their prostate or whatever?!? This is absurd.
— Martina Navratilova (@Martina) August 15, 2022
Claire Fox, baroness of Buckley, originally thought the position was a joke.
“When Welsh gov’s period campaign addressed people who bleed & failed to mention women/girls, we thought it = peek gender idiocy,” Fox wrote on Twitter. “But oh no, hold my beer, Scottish gov here to ramp up indignity.”
Assumed @TitaniaMcGrath level of satire, but less witty. Now I’m assured below is true. When Welsh gov’s period campaign addressed people who bleed & failed to mention women/girls, we thought it = peek gender idiocy. But oh no, hold my beer, Scottish gov here to ramp up indignity https://t.co/gNswdpY5bM
— Claire Fox (@Fox_Claire) August 15, 2022
While some defended the move as important for educating men, author Susan Dalgety called it nothing more than “institutionalized mansplaining.”
“I don’t disagree that boys should be taught more about menstruation, but appointing a bloke as the first period dignity officer is institutionalized mansplaining,” Dalgety said.
I don’t disagree that boys should be taught more about menstruation, but appointing a bloke as the first period dignity officer is institutionalised mansplaining.
— Susan Dalgety (@DalgetySusan) August 15, 2022
Dalgety also slammed Grant’s excitement for the position, noting that “only females menstruate.”
Jason Scotland’s 1st period dignity officer is “absolutely buzzing” about his new job. It’s about making “anyone of any gender”aware of period products he says.
Jason, I have news for you, Only females menstruate. Any more questions? PMS? Endometriosis? https://t.co/Cw2D4NgDqa— Susan Dalgety (@DalgetySusan) August 15, 2022
Grant is reportedly a former personal trainer and will work with the Period Dignity Working Group, which comprises Scottish colleges and councils.
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Under the new Period Products Act that took effect Monday, public facilities in Scotland will be required to provide period products to “anyone who needs.” Scotland is the first country in the world to implement such a law.
