Support women and young people in Central America

Since the 1980s, Solidar Suisse has been engaged in Central America and today operates a regional program in El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala. Together with local partner organizations and government actors, we strengthen the rights of women, young people, and marginalized communities. Our focus is on protection from gender-based violence, access to education, employment and income, as well as climate resilience and emergency relief.

Inequality, Violence, and Climate Change

The countries of the so-called “Northern Triangle” are among the most unequal in the world. Violence, impunity, poverty, and discrimination shape the daily lives of large segments of the population—especially women, young people, Indigenous and Afro-descendant communities, and human rights defenders. Despite a certain degree of economic stability, broad sections of society benefit little from progress. Access to basic services, education, and protection from violence remains inadequate in many areas.

Central America is also one of the regions with the highest climate risks worldwide: droughts, floods, and hurricanes particularly affect rural populations. Pressure from monocultures, land concentration, and environmental degradation continues to grow.

In addition, a lack of prospects is driving many young people to migrate: 40% of those aged 18 to 29 say they want to leave their country.

Committed to Justice, Equality, and Future Prospects

Solidar Suisse strengthens civil society and government institutions to support survivors of gender-based violence and to carry out prevention work. Our programs also promote education, labor market integration, and youth entrepreneurship—among other things through agroecological training that conveys ecological farming practices, peace education, and gender equality.

Women and young people are specifically supported in shaping their lives independently and generating their own income. We assist communities and authorities with disaster risk reduction, improving water and sanitation services (WASH), and adapting to climate change. Our work combines long-term development goals with rapid humanitarian assistance in the event of disasters (the nexus approach).

Projects in Central America

olidar Suisse supports local women’s organizations and support centers that care for survivors of violence and assist them in taking legal action.