Man appointed Scotland’s first ‘period dignity officer’… and people aren’t happy

In news we absolutely did not see coming, Scotland has appointed its first ever ‘period dignity officer’ – and the role has gone to a man. Yep, we couldn’t believe it either.

Understandably, news that former personal trainer Jason Grant had taken on the job – which will see him work towards implementing the legal right to free period products in public settings, among other things – did not go down well with women and period-having people.

“Wonder if he’s ever experienced the horror of a blood stained dress in public, or the gut-wrenching fear of a missed period? No, didn’t think so,” tweeted journalist and women’s rights advocate, Susan Dalgety. “The Scottish government have appointed a man as the period dignity officer… where do I start with this…. A man shall be mansplaining periods,” someone else said in response to the news.

“You couldn’t make this stuff up,” a third person added to the conversation, with another disgruntled member of the public writing: “Whoever decided it would be a good idea to appoint a man as a ‘period dignity officer’ needs to look up the word ‘mansplaining’.”

But other people welcomed the idea that men are taking more interest in women’s issues. “I’m sorry but I don’t understand why it’s apparently so bad to appoint a man period dignity officer,” said political journalist, Rachel Wearmouth. “A lot of men freak out when they see a box of tampons and isn’t that part of the issue? I’m glad he wants to do the job and wish him well.”

Similarly, the period dignity group that appointed Grant doubled down on their decision to do so. “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,” a spokesperson said.

“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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The job advert said the candidate right for the role needed a “successful track record of engaging and empowering a large range of people from a diverse range of cultural and socio-economic backgrounds, in particular young people who menstruate.”

Noting what the job would entail, the ad went on: “This will include engaging with staff, partners, communities and young people in developing and delivering a campaign that stretches across our regions, raising awareness and understanding of the Period Product Act and the expanse of work happening in our respective communities.”

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