Stories about Economics & Business from March, 2020
Market mayhem in Uganda as COVID-19 measures upend women’s lives
In Uganda, sudden COVID-19 restrictions have led to increased violence against women in the informal sector, who continue to work as vendors to feed their families.
Thai workers speak out about their need for unions and better conditions at the workplace
"I hope that one day domestic workers will be able to stand up without feeling shameful. Honestly, when I was a housekeeper, I was not proud of my profession."
Quarantine woes in Bangladesh amid coronavirus fears
The government has ordered Bangladeshis who are returning from affected COVID-19 countries to home-quarantine. But a lack of monitoring has led to concerns that the disease may spread rapidly.
COVID-19 pandemic lays bare the political leadership deficit in Nigeria
Nigeria's President Buhari is yet to speak to Nigerians about the COVID-19 pandemic. His spokespersons have even scolded legislators for daring to ask him to address the country.
‘Protecting forests is crucial to cure pandemics,’ indigenous leaders say
"If the forests are cut down, where are we going to get medicine?"
Czech Republic enters quarantine amid conflicting government directives
The Czech Republic has entered nationwide quarantine on March 16. But people are allowed to travel to work and shop for food outside.
Trinidad & Tobago closes its borders as COVID-19 cases double to four
Using Italy as an example of how COVID-19 was able to spread quickly, Prime Minister Rowley warned the consequences will be grave if Trinbagonians do not adhere to the guidelines.
Trinidad & Tobago clamps down as two cases of COVID-19 are confirmed
Schools have been closed, cruise ship arrivals have been suspended, and major events have been cancelled as the government tries to contain the spread of the virus.
Guyana general elections hang in the balance as regional vote count ruled ‘invalid’
Guyana's acting chief justice ruled that the Region 4 results were “unlawful” as they did not fall in line with Section 84 of Guyana's Representation of the People Act.
Life in the time of COVID-19: Jamaicans adjust their lifestyles as country records second case
After two cases of COVID-19 are confirmed in Jamaica, anxiety is high and Jamaicans are limiting their social contact.
Czech Republic introduces drastic measures to deter spread of COVID-19
All schools will be shut down for at least the next two weeks.
A ‘sweet’ deal: Sugar war ends between Tanzania and Uganda after years-long embargo
After a years-long ban on sugar imports from Uganda, Tanzania announced that it would open up trade on a government-to-government basis, strengthening ties within the East African Community.
No place for transgender people in Georgia's labour market
Finding a stable job is a hard enough task for all Georgians — but as Nata and Gabriela's stories show, it's nearly impossible for transgender people.
Caribbean tourism threatened by the region's first cases of COVID-19
Three confirmed cases of the COVID-19 virus have shown up in the French-speaking Caribbean and another in the Dominican Republic, placing the region on even greater alert.
Philippine media groups celebrate as tech companies accused of cyber attacks pledge to promote press freedom
"This is a small victory in our fight for press freedom. We call on all tech companies not to allow their infrastructure to be used by enemies of the truth."
Internet shutdowns in 2019: India continued to top list of worst offenders
In 2019, access to the internet was disrupted 121 times in India alone, says Access Now in a new report.
