Women in low-income jobs are bearing the brunt of the economic downturn caused by the pandemic. Think of the garment worker whose factory has shut down because the global demand for new clothes has stalled. Or the woman who sells food in an outdoor market and has to close shop because no one is gathering anymore.
Leaders around the world can—and must—step in. Emergency cash transfers—that are designed to reach women—are a good way to prevent this pandemic from locking these workers and their families into poverty.