A SCOTLAND fan has netted a victory over UEFA after she took to social media to highlight the lack of period provision in the Glasgow Green fanzone.
Eireann McAuley, 23, from Maryhill, took to twitter last night after she watched the Scotland v Croatia match in the purpose built area.
She said: "I can't believe we are a host city and cannot provide one sanitary bin or products for women who are at the fan zone. Extremely disappointing for a country that has just passed a bill on period provision and products and wants to be a world leader.
Hi @GlasgowEURO2020 - I can't believe we are a host city & cannot provide one sanitary bin or products for women who are at the fan zone. Extremely disappointing for a country that has just passed a bill on period provision/products & wants to be a world leader. Plz address👍
— Eireann (@xeireannmcauley) June 22, 2021
"Another layer of sexism at football too & women a second thought. How much of an Equality impact assessment was done at the fan zones?
"We are on the European stage & can't meet basic sanitary provision needs?
"We need more than lip service to Equality, meeting girls and women's health needs and promoting the women's game.
"A HUGE opportunity missed to keep challenging the taboo of periods and normalising it...especially to predominantly white straight working class males and fans."
Eireann revealed that she was caught short when she was at the fanzone after her period arrived, saying she felt "mortified." She added: "I got my period at the fan zone and then noticed it when I went to the toilet that there was absolutely no bins or provision.
"I was both mortified and furious and couldn't think how this was not an opportunity to show case to the World as a host city we were serious about period dignity and ensuring women are properly supported. I also play football so it is another level for me of sexism and not thinking about women at these kind of events."
UEFA responded to Eireann, who is a fully qualified teacher and works for the Scottish Trades Union Congress as an equalities officer, pledging to install bins 'immediately.'
They tweeted: "Thank you for bringing this to our attention. We recognise the importance of tackling period dignity and ensuring the Fan Zone is accessible to all."
Free period products will now be available at information points from tomorrow.
However, Scottish Labour MSP Monica Lennon, who spearheaded the Period Poverty bill said the move should have come sooner. She added: “Football fans should be able to access free period products and suitable disposal bins.
“It is disappointing that the organisers have failed to get the basics right.
“I commend Eireann McAuley for raising this issue.
“Menstruation should not be an afterthought. Swift action should now be taken to make the Glasgow Fan Zone a period friendly destination.
“UEFA should reflect on this and commit to getting it right in future.”
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