BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Spain’s Catalonia region rolled out a pioneering women’s health initiative this week that offers reusable menstruation products for free.

Approximately 2.5 million individuals who menstruate, including women, girls, transgender individuals, and nonbinary individuals, can obtain a complimentary menstrual cup, a set of period underwear, and two packs of cloth pads at nearby pharmacies in the northeastern region of Spain.

The government of Catalonia announced the program “My period, my rules” in order to ensure equal access to menstrual products. Officials referenced data showing that 23% of women surveyed by the public opinion office in Catalonia reported reusing single-use hygiene products due to financial constraints.

According to Tània Verge, Catalonia’s minister for promoting equal rights and feminism, this program is a groundbreaking achievement on a global scale.

In 2020, the Scottish government implemented legislation that provides free access to period products for those in need. However, unlike the Catalan program, the products in Scotland are intended for one-time use and are distributed through educational institutions rather than through pharmacies.

“We are fighting menstrual poverty, which affects one in four women in Catalonia, but is also about gender justice. We are fighting the stereotypes and taboos about menstruation,” Verge told The Associated Press. “And (…) it is about climate justice. We need to reduce the tons of waste generated by single-use menstrual products.”

The dispersal of reusable items also has the objective of minimizing waste. The regional authorities reported that Catalonia generates approximately 9,000 tons of waste from menstrual hygiene products designed for single use.

The public health care system covers the entire population and uses reusable products that are obtained from Catalonia’s 3,000-plus private pharmacies. The regional government spent 8.5 million euros ($9.2 million) on this program.

“I fully support this initiative,” expressed 29-year-old graphic designer Laura Vilarasa. “It will provide women with an essential product at no cost.”

Last year, the national government of Spain approved a law that provides women with severe menstrual pain the option for paid sick leave.

As March 8th approaches, Spain is preparing for International Women’s Day. This European nation is known for organizing some of the largest rallies advocating for women’s rights globally.

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Sylvia Hui wrote this report while in London.