PRESS RELEASE
Contact: Henry Herrera
Telephone: +1-301-801-0608
Email: davia@endtodv.org
Men and Boys in El Salvador Face Critical Challenges in Education, Health, and Working Conditions
November 13, 2024 – Recent research highlights numerous obstacles facing men in El Salvador in the areas of poverty, health, education, and working conditions. High mortality rates, exposure to hazardous work environments, and vulnerabilities in mental health underscore the need for policies and programs that address gender-based inequalities affecting the male population.
Education: Barriers in Retention and Advancement
El Salvador’s educational system reveals disadvantages for men. While 71.8% of girls complete lower secondary education, the rate for boys is only 67.3% [1], indicating a higher dropout rate among males. At the university level, only 48.1% of students are men, compared to 51.9% of women [2]. These figures underscore the need for programs that promote male retention in school and facilitate access to higher education.
Health: High Mortality and Mental Health Risks
Health inequalities disproportionately affect men in El Salvador. Life expectancy for men is only 66.84 years, compared to 75.81 years for women [4]. Men also face an age-adjusted mortality rate from external causes of 188.1 per 100,000 people, compared to 67.4 for women [6], highlighting men’s greater exposure to risk and limited access to preventive care.
Additionally, the male suicide rate is 10.5%, significantly higher than the 2.1% for women, pointing to a mental health crisis among men [5]. High mortality rates, coupled with limited mental health support, reflect a critical gap in addressing the emotional and psychological needs of the male population.
Working Conditions: Gender Inequality in the Workforce and Occupational Safety
In the workforce, men in El Salvador face significant challenges. Although 76.5% of men participate in the labor force compared to only 46.1% of women [7], this higher participation exposes them to greater workplace hazards. From 2015 to 2019, 67% of reported workplace accidents involved men [9], highlighting the urgent need to strengthen occupational safety policies and implement better protections in the workplace.
Violence and Crime: Men as Victims of Violence
El Salvador also shows high levels of violence and crime affecting men. The victimization rate is 21% for men, slightly higher than the 20% for women [11], underscoring men’s vulnerability to crime. In 2019, 525 cases of sexual violence against men were reported—a significant statistic revealing a reality of abuse that receives far less attention than cases involving women [10].
A Global Concern and Men’s Equality Month
These disparities affecting men in El Salvador mirror similar challenges reported in other countries around the world (Men and Boys Coalition). Additionally, November is recognized as Men’s Equality Month, a time to raise awareness and foster action to address gender-specific issues impacting men (Men’s Equality Month).
A Call to Action to Address Male Gender Disadvantages
The data presented reflects the complexity of challenges faced by the male population in El Salvador. High mortality rates, educational inequalities, workplace risks, and violence underscore the need for targeted approaches to address male disadvantages. A cross-sector commitment from the government, non-governmental organizations, and the community is essential to improve men’s access to health, education, and workplace safety programs, and to address inequalities for the benefit of Salvadoran society as a whole.
References
[1] Commitment to Equity Institute
[2] Banco Mundial
[3] Statista
[4] Statista – Esperanza de Vida
[5] Banco Mundial – Suicidio
[6] World Bank Data
[7] Banco Mundial – Fuerza Laboral
[8] World Bank – Trabajo Infantil
[9] Observatorio Centroamericano de Violencia Laboral
[10] Banco Central de Reserva de El Salvador
[11] Statista – Victimización