Projects in El Salvador
Over 10 years of civil war have left deep scars on the country. The consequences are still visible today. For many people, violence and unemployment are part of everyday life, and the gulf between rich and poor is very deep. Because of the traumatic experiences that people suffered during the war, psychological and social intervention is extremely important.
Economic empowerment and empowerment of young people in rural areas
El Salvador is characterized by poverty, violence and migration. The situation is particularly bad for young people: there are no jobs, no places to study and no chance of a regular income. They can either join violent gangs, emigrate or work under exploitative conditions. We offer young people a way out of poverty and lack of prospects by supporting them in setting up income-generating initiatives. They are encouraged to develop a business idea and examine its feasibility and prospects of success. The young people also receive financial start-up assistance in the form of a small loan.
Mi poder - mi voz: Young people against gender-based violence
In misogynistic and patriarchal contexts such as El Salvador, violence against women is omnipresent, yet the topic remains largely taboo. The country has one of the highest rates of femicide in the world. This violence has its roots in a deeply rooted machismo culture. Despite existing laws, there is often a lack of effective implementation. Together with our partner organization, we train young female scholarship holders on a socio-educational programme to recognize gender-based violence, identify stereotypes and question them.
Interview
"Machismo pervades all of society"
Why is terre des hommes schweiz committed to the living conditions and rights of women in El Salvador? Sandra Ramirez, National Coordinator for El Salvador at terre des hommes switzerland, provides information.
Basic information
Size: 21 041 km² (half of Switzerland)
Population: 7.3 million (0.8 times Switzerland)
Human Development Index: 0.680 (rank 117 of 185 countries)
Distribution of income in %: 72,6 (0 = equal distribution / 100% = one person has everything)
Share of population from 0 to 24 years: 48.9% (Switzerland: 26.5%)
Homicide rate: 41.2 per 100 000 inhabitants (Switzerland: 0.6)
Focus of workPeace culture, education and income
Program Coordination
