Low-income residents in the Utrecht suburb of Nieuwegein can now pick up free menstrual products from the local public health office. Residents whose incomes are up to 25% over the level of basic social welfare are entitled to a Nieuwegein Stadspas, which offers reduced prices on sporting and cultural activities, and allows them to take sanitary napkins and tampons free of charge. Deputy mayor Guido Bamberg said the city has seen an uptick in residents who cannot afford these products. Esra Cebbar, coordinator of the Nieuwegein Stadspas, has heard stories about girls who are unable to go to school due to this. Nieuwegein joins other Dutch municipalities including Rotterdam, Elst and Westland in providing free sanitary products. This month, Scotland became the first country in the world to provide such products free at a national level.
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