The impact of COVID-19 on inclusive development and democratic governance: rapid and post-pandemic assessment in the Mekong subregion

This project aims to support inclusive, coordinated, and gender-sensitive responses to the COVID-19 pandemic in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam. It will assess the socioeconomic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the effectiveness of responses. The project will explore the current conditions of the economy, firms, and workers, the policy responses intended to support them, the mitigation strategies they have employed, and the level of coordination across various actors that is critical to a strong and inclusive recovery. In close coordination with local governments and organizations, the project will identify gender-sensitive policies and good practices from the macro to micro level that will support the recovery process and improve resilience among vulnerable women workers and micro, small, and medium enterprises. It will facilitate policy dialogue and coordination among researchers, policymakers, private sector actors, civil society, and women's organizations in the response and recovery phases. Finally, it will enhance the capacity of the implementing consortium members to create partnerships, cooperation, and learning at the regional level with international dialogues, comparative research activities, and by engaging regional organizations.