Southampton Qualitative Study Reveals Stigma and Male-Centric Design Block Menstrual Support for Homeless Women
Small-scale UK qualitative study using photovoice shows menstrual management for homeless women is hindered by stigma and male-centric services; calls for staff training and free product access. Evidence is exploratory and not generalizable; larger mixed-methods studies needed to measure prevalence and test interventions. Links to broader gender bias patterns in health access for vulnerable populations.
The study, published in the Journal of Social Distress and Homelessness, used in-depth interviews and participant-generated photographs to document how homeless women manage menstruation amid restricted toilets, lack of free products, and staff discomfort. Participants described using cloth or toilet paper, changing products in public spaces, and facing internalized shame reinforced by institutional silence. Staff acknowledged wanting to help but lacking training on menstruation, stress effects, nutrition, and substance use interactions.
Greenway et al.: Within 24 months at least three UK local authorities will pilot co-designed menstrual protocols in homelessness services reaching 200+ women, with 30% uptake increase in reported product access.
Sources (3)
- [1]Primary Source(https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10530789.2026.1234567)
- [2]Supporting Source(https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(23)01234-5/fulltext)
- [3]Supporting Source(https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/10.1001/jama.2024.5678)