El Salvador and the Spanish Cooperation Agency officially launched a new program on Friday aimed at helping returned Salvadoran women reintegrate into the country’s social and economic life. The initiative, funded with 600,000 euros (about $690,900), will be implemented through the Vice Ministry of Diaspora and Human Mobility.
According to the Spanish Cooperation, the program is expected to assist around 2,100 deported Salvadoran women, with at least 350 receiving direct support through psychosocial care, technical training, and the promotion of “sustainable socioproductive ecosystems.” The Agency emphasized, “With an investment of Spain for 600,000 euros, this initiative will strengthen psychosocial care, technical training, and entrepreneurship opportunities to incorporate returned women into the socioproductive environment.”
The project is built around three core goals: providing comprehensive psychosocial attention, expanding technical skills to increase employment opportunities, and supporting women in achieving economic autonomy through entrepreneurship. Spanish Ambassador Sonia Álvarez Cibanal highlighted that the “promotion of women’s rights and gender equality is a strategic priority for Spain,” aligned with the 2030 Agenda and Sustainable Development Goal 5.
Vice Minister Cindy Portal stated that the psychosocial component aims to create “safe spaces and emotional support to strengthen the mental health and well-being of returned women and their families.” The launch event gathered government officials and diplomats, including Fernando Rey, coordinator of Spanish Cooperation in El Salvador, and Karla Majano de Palma, director of ESCO.
From January to October 2025 alone, El Salvador received 10,025 returned citizens from the United States on 148 federal flights, underscoring the growing need for reintegration programs like this one.