Catherine Barasa Asekenye (abstract 250 words) HIV & AIDS and Covid-19 pandemics have introduced unforeseen negative and irreversible impacts on women and girls in Uganda. Socio economic, cultural and gender based violence related impacts were not anticipated nor prioritized as part of the responses to both epidemics from the start. There was no or inadequate consideration of the safety and safeguarding of women and girls from social impacts of the epidemics. The outcome has has been multiple negative impacts on women and girls including but not limited to the exacerbation of Gender Based Violence (GBV) resulting from new epidemic related risk factors and drivers. This paper will highlight the key lessons based on secondary reviews from both epidemics. Policy and programmatic options on how similar situations can avert social risks and increased pressure encountered by women and girls will be examined. This paper is based on my experience as an applied anthropologist, a social science researcher, former UNAIDS/World Bank Gender Focal point at Country level and findings from a study with the University of Liverpool, UK on safeguarding in the context of Covid 19. Short abstract (300 characters including spaces) Women and girls have been negatively impacted by both HIV & AIDS and Covid 19. In both epidemics policies and programs have not considered the potential exacerbation of Gender Based Violence. Narratives and findings from secondary reviews including lived experiences of women and girls will be shared as well as the contribution of anthropology for more inclusive planning and programing.