International Women's Day: Monica Lennon says it is ‘fantastic’ CBBC is airing its first ever period special on Newsround to mark International Women’s Day

The BBC has announced that CBBC’s children’s news programme Newsround will be airing its first ever special on periods in honour of International Women’s Day this year.

BBC presenter Lauren Layfield with school children in Let Talk About Periods.

The programme ‘Let’s Talk About Periods’ is presented by Lauren Layfield and will see discussions with experts, celebrities and children, exploring people’s attitudes towards periods and why it is so important to open up the conversation about them.

Scottish Labour MSP Monica Lennon, who has been hailed for her leadership in changing legislation and securing free period products for women and girls across Scotland has said the news is “fantastic” and that “the fight for period dignity for all must continue.”

One of the interviewees featured is TV personality Dr Alex George who serves as the UK’s Youth Mental Health Ambassador within the Department for Education.

Presenter Lauren Layfield with Dr Alex George.

A spokesperson from the BBC said: “Newsround is well known and applauded for bringing issues that are relevant to UK kids to the forefront.

"This special aims to help create the open and honest discussion about periods which kids have told us they want.”

The programme is scheduled to be broadcast on the BBC’s CBBC channel at 7pm on Monday, March, 8, 2021.

Ms Lennon said: “It’s fantastic that CBBC Newsround will spotlight periods on International Women’s Day, as the voices and experiences of children and young people must be at the centre of this critical global conversation.

Scottish Labour MSP, Monica Lennon.

“Whilst periods are being discussed more openly than ever before, menstrual myths, stigma and a lack of access to period products are still perpetuating gender inequality around the world.”

Ms Lennon led a four-year long campaign which ultimately saw Scotland become first the country in the world to offer free and universal period products.

The Period Product Act places a legal duty on local authorities to make period products available for all those who need them.

Ms Lennon continued: “Scotland has led the way with trailblazing legislation and culture-changing campaigning, however, the fight for period dignity for all must continue.

Let's Talk about Periods.

“With Endometriosis Awareness Month underway, the opportunity to educate and raise awareness about menstrual well-being must not be missed.”

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