When restricting the movement of their citizens to slow down the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, low income countries should tailor measures to local socio-economic circumstances.
The current lockdown in Zimbabwe is going to provide a stern test for its informal economy, which is the country’s dominant economy and employs 90% of people.
If the government seeks to reduce its massive deficit by cutting public spending after the pandemic subsides, this will burden the poor and public sector workers, increasing inequality.
South Africa won’t flatten the COVID-19 pandemic curve unless all citizens have the means to stay at home. But for many, it’s either they stay at home and starving, or go out to make a living.
COVID-19 has brought to the fore the interdependency of business and society. It’s time for amendments to the social contract that underlies societal support for business.
Pakistan is using technology to distribute emergency support as part of its coronavirus stimulus. But its criteria for eligibility must be more nuanced.
In India handwashing practices have come under scrutiny as millions of Indian poorest return home from major cities. Many do not have access to basic amenities.
American Indians and Alaska Natives are the most impoverished and marginalized group in the US. Tribes are working to protect their people from the coronavirus, but they have few resources to do so.
Reactions in South Africa give little reason for hope that the virus will bring people closer together or trigger more energetic action against poverty.
Rapid motorisation has made the Indonesian city of Solo prioritise policies to support motorised vehicles, paying little attention to cycling and marginalising poor women.
The COVID-19 pandemic is forcing people to study and work online. It’s also sparked a need for news and information. That’s a challenge for the 24 million Americans who lack broadband internet access.
Female labour participation in Indonesia has stalled at 50% for the last three decades. This is a bit of a mystery because Indonesia’s economy has grown dramatically over the same period.