With more limited access to the public sphere, often with little mobility beyond the home, and more language barriers to overcome, women are disproportionately impacted by the restrictions on mobile phones and internet access.23 Women must have access to up-to-date and accurate health information delivered to their homes in Rohingya language. The safest and most effective way to do this is through the use of mobile phones. As primary carers within the household it is vitally important that Rohingya women are not just reached, but centrally included and consulted in public health and health education initiatives. This will ensure that women are able to effectively protect themselves and their household from disease and are able to seek medical advice and services when needed.24 In multiple settings, Rohingya already face barriers to accessing healthcare. In Myanmar, the extreme restrictions of movement that have been in place for decades for Rohingya populations, continue to impact access to healthcare. Additionally, severe discrimination against Rohingyas within the health services, has led to deep mistrust which prevents people from seeking medical help. Lesser forms of discrimination and barriers to accessing healthcare are encountered in countries of asylum, including lack of Rohingya language interpreters “ and women interpreters, risks of arrest, and health care costs for undocumented and refugee populations. The lockdowns and reduction in non-COVID related health services, together with the increase in xenophobia towards Rohingya has further reduced access to health care. This has particularly impacted Rohingya with preexisting and long-term health conditions. It has also impacted pregnant women, who have more limited to access maternity care.25 Globally, there has been a rise in domestic and intimate partner violence during the pandemic. There are already high levels of domestic violence within Rohingya communities and heightened concerns about the impact of lockdown and unemployment within households.26 The increased time spent at home together and stresses related to loss of work and income profoundly impact the mental health of family members, which in turn increases the levels of domestic violence. The lockdown prevents victims of domestic violence from leaving their homes to seek help either through their informal networks or through services. The lack of mobile phone access can compound the isolation. Community support and services need to be adapted and extended to reach more women and children who are unable to leave their homes to ensure their safety. Women are often the primary carers in the family. Involving women in health initiatives is crucial so they can keep themselves and other household members safe from disease. Rohingya women in the camps need services delivered in their own Rohingya language, which is not the same as Chittagonian. This means involving the community in delivering health information and health services. Lifting restrictions on mobile phones usage and internet in Bangladesh camps would ensure that women could access vital health care information from inside their homes and help to protect the whole community. SABRINA CHOWDHURY MONA For analysis of women’s mobility outside the home, see X-Border Local Research Initiative, 2020 ‘Beyond Relief: Securing Livelihoods and Agency for Rohingya Refugees in Bangladesh.’ 24 Observations by Sabrina Chowdhury Mona and Razia Sultana. 25 Observations by RWDN. 26 The high levels of domestic violence were acknowledged by both women and men in discussion groups. 23 14