After business owner and fitness coach Jason Grant was appointed (for the premiere time) as Scotland’s period poverty rights officer, former 18-time Grand Slam winner Martina Navratilova expressed her disagreement. “Have we ever tried to explain to men how to shave or how to take care of their prostate or whatever? This is absurd,” said tennis star Martina Navratilova.
According to the Mirror, “Mr Grant thinks his gender will help to ‘encourage more open discussions’ about the topic and added that it’s about ‘making people aware of the availability of period products for anyone of any gender’”.
“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. We’ll also raise awareness of the menopause, which, although a natural process for women, has wider repercussions in the world of work and family,” said Grant.
Grant also talked to Dundee Courier about his new role. “I’m absolutely buzzing about it. It’s definitely pioneering as Scotland is the first to do this. It’s about making people aware of the availability of period products for anyone of any gender, whenever they need it,” said Grant.
Andy Murray’s mother also reacted to the issue.
FFS. 🤬 pic.twitter.com/KMF6W5VMDM — judy murray (@JudyMurray) August 16, 2022
What the poverty period officer implies
According to The Period Dignity Working Group, “this new role, funded by the Scottish Government, was created to promote and implement new legislation, specifically focused on project management”.
“With all partners in the working group Equal Opportunities Employers, Jason was the strongest candidate. 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,” the group said.
