Six entertainment workers told VOD of forced pregnancy tests, pressure to terminate and the experience of self-induced abortions while trying to hold onto jobs. As the women experience potential trauma, the motivation among employers often comes down to superstition: Pregnant women are “four-eyed girls” bringing bad business.
“I feel ashamed and anxious all the time. My partner left me and even my family won’t talk to me. I thought it was a safe and private way to make money, but virtual sex ruined my life,” said Otieno, whose name has been changed to protect her identity.
Making sure that all children receive quality education in Covid-19’s “new normal” will require changes in mindset, new soft skills and consideration of economic, political and cultural dimensions, writes educator Neak Piseth.
Chab Yem, 74, says she hasn’t seen her son since authorities arrested and defrocked him more than a year ago. She lives in Siem Reap province, and Koeut Saray is now in Phnom Penh’s Prey Sar Prison.
“People who come during Pchum Ben bring food, some money, especially onsom cake. I feel happy. Even though it’s Covid-19, it’s OK. We take precautions like wearing masks and using alcohol spray. This feels comfortable.”
A l’bokator master’s wife is compiling her late husband’s writings into a book; pagodas are opening their gates to Cambodia’s ancient, spirituality-infused martial art; and officials are looking for world-heritage status and pushing a modernized version as an Olympic sport.
While students were meeting friends and reconnecting, most expressed two major concerns about returning to school: their parents’ reluctance to let them return, and whether they had learned enough in the last year to meet the challenges of a new grade.
Fish are scarce again and wells are running dry, Siem Reap fishers say, as some measurements track the Tonle Sap at another record low this year.
Indigenous communities say speculators have accelerated illegal land sales and Covid-19 restrictions are preventing members from patrolling the protected area.
Covid-19 is not the only pressing public health issue for migrant workers and their families. The pandemic is raising the risks of other, indirect health impacts that can have lasting effects even after the outbreak ends, writes Future Forum fellow Thong Sariputta.
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