Jason Grant, who has previously worked in tobacco sales and as a personal trainer, was announced as the regional chief dignity officer for the Tay region earlier this week, in what is believed to be the first role of its kind in the country and challenged with groundbreaking women’s health legislation. But his appointment received an incredible response. Former Wimbledon champion Martina Navratilova tweeted: “This is just ridiculous,” adding: “Have we ever tried to explain to men how to shave or how to take care of their prostate or anything??? This is absurd.” Other commentators immediately linked the appointment of Grant – who is funded by the Scottish Government but chosen by a local group of councils and colleges – to recent Holyrood controversies over sex and gender. But SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford told Sky News it was “much better that women are in these positions than anyone else”. “It is a policy we should all be proud of. At the end of the day, I think it should be a priority to have women in these positions.” Scotland was the first country in the world to provide free and universal access to period products when it passed the Period Products (Free Provision) (Scotland) Act 2021, which became law this week. Archie Bland and Nimo Omer take you to the top stories and what they mean, free every weekday morning Privacy Notice: Newsletters may contain information about charities, online advertising and content sponsored by external parties. For more information, see our Privacy Policy. We use Google reCaptcha to protect our website and Google’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Monica Lennon, the Scottish Labor MSP who spearheaded a four-year campaign that has shifted the public debate around menstruation, said it was important that women’s voices were not marginalized. “Inclusive period dignity is at the heart of the Period Products Act. Actively promoting universal free access to period products and investing in period health and well-being will help eliminate stigma, misogyny and inequality.” “There is a role for men to take leadership roles and contribute to positive and respectful conversations while ensuring that the voices of women, girls and menstruating people are never silenced.” A spokesman for the Period Dignity Working Group, which is made up of Dundee and Angus College, Angus, Dundee City Council and Perth College UHI, highlighted that the role focused heavily on project management. “By changing the culture, encouraging conversation and removing the stigma around periods, we look forward to supporting the delivery of this important work across the region.” In a press release announcing his appointment, Grant said, “I think being a man will help me break down barriers, reduce stigma and encourage more open conversations. Although it directly affects women, periods are an issue for everyone. We will also raise awareness of menopause, which, although a natural process for women, has wider implications in the world of work and family. “It’s time to normalize these issues and get real about it. I believe I can make progress by proving that this is not just a women’s issue, by encouraging conversations between all genders, and by educating and engaging new audiences.”
