A. M. 
An analysis by the Observatorio MYPE of FUSAI’s LID School highlighted that 60% of micro and small enterprises (MSEs) in El Salvador are led by women. However, the report revealed that many face significant challenges, especially in the subsistence segment, where income is barely enough to survive.
The study noted that 68.8% of women entrepreneurs operate in this vulnerable segment, compared to 31.2% of men. This is evidence of structural barriers that hinder women’s economic growth in the sector.
Despite these challenges, initiatives such as the Mujer Apoyamos tu Desarrollo Program are making a difference. Emma Martínez, a salvadoran businesswoman, is an example of overcoming these challenges after benefiting from this program.
In just two years, Emma transformed her business, Choco Express, from a small cart to a company with six mobile units, its own premises and a warehouse. In addition, she now provides services for social events, consolidating her position in the market.
These cases reflect how the right support can change lives and enhance the impact of women in the salvadoran economy.
