Addressing Menstrual Hygiene Management and Digital Violence against Women and Girls
Menstrual Health and Hygiene (MHH) is essential to the well-being and empowerment of women and adolescent girls.
Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) presents a significant challenge for women and girls, including refugee women and girls in Uganda.
This affects mainly the vulnerable, including persons with disabilities, displaced populations like refugees, and poverty-stricken household members who often lack access to menstrual products, adequate WASH infrastructure, and accurate information.
The theme for the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence this year was “Unite to End Digital Violence against All Women and Girls.”
“Poor MHM increases a person’s vulnerability to online abuse, while digital violence can further exacerbate MHM challenges through harassment and the spread of myths, creating a vicious cycle”
Digital violence, especially when intertwined with poor MHM, perpetuates gender-based violence (GBV) against women and girls through the dissemination of misinformation, stigma, and harmful content related to menstruation.
Poor MHM increases a person’s vulnerability to online abuse, while digital violence can further exacerbate MHM challenges through harassment and the spread of myths, creating a vicious cycle.
Between 2022 and 2025, Oxfam in Uganda and its partners documented stories and experiences of women and girls in West Nile surrounding their MHM, under the Stand Up for SRHR Project.
One girl shared that in some communities, girls experiencing their first menstruation are kept under lock and key, seated on a pile of dust so that menstrual blood collects on the soil.
The soil must be guarded and remain hidden within the house, as it is believed to carry blessings; if any of it leaves the home, it is considered a curse upon all household members.
If such practices are not corrected, they can exacerbate digital violence against women and girls when exposed, discussed, or shared online without consent, often leading to ridicule, stigma, and abuse.
“Uncontrolled online information leads to misinformation and manipulation, including the spread of inaccurate or harmful content about menstruation and hygiene, reinforcing myths and harmful practices”
Some digital platforms are also used to groom and exploit vulnerable girls and women, including offering menstrual products or basic necessities in exchange for sexual favours, which constitutes digital-facilitated sexual exploitation.
If not addressed, digital violence linked to MHM results in increased stigma, psychological distress, fear, anxiety, and reduced confidence among women and girls.
It discourages them from seeking support or accessing accurate information and services.
“It is therefore important for stakeholders, especially government, to strengthen digital literacy and safety awareness, including providing accurate information on digital safety, responsible online behaviour, and mechanisms for reporting online abuse related to MHM.”
There is also a need to work with cultural and religious institutions to challenge harmful norms and promote positive, accurate online content that supports dignity and respect for women and girls.
Creating safe online spaces where women and girls can discuss MHM without fear of judgment or harassment is critical.
Integrating digital safety into MHM programmes will empower women and girls to navigate digital spaces safely and contribute to ending digital violence against women and girls.