Beyond Paychecks: Why Safety and Childcare Shape Women’s Job Choices in El Salvador

Women in El Salvador prioritize safety, childcare, and easy job access over higher wages when choosing employment. The study shows that improving working conditions, not just pay, is key to increasing women’s participation in the labor force.

In El Salvador, choosing a job is rarely about salary alone. A new World Bank study, conducted by its Development Economics Data Group along with research partners such as IZA, CESifo and HiCN, reveals that women weigh a range of everyday realities before deciding to work. Safety, childcare and access matter just as much, if not more, than wages.

For years, economic theory suggested that higher pay should compensate for poor working conditions. But this research shows that in real life, especially in developing economies, that trade-off often does not work. Women face constraints that money alone cannot fix.

Safety Comes First

The study highlights one factor above all others: safety. Women are willing to give up a large portion of their earnings for a job that guarantees a safe commute. This finding reflects the long-standing impact of crime and insecurity on daily life in El Salvador.

Even though the country has recently seen improvements in public safety, fear and risk still shape decisions. For many women, the journey to work can be as important as the job itself. If getting there feels unsafe, the job simply is not worth it.

Breaking Barriers to Entry

Another major issue is work experience. Many jobs require prior experience, but for women who have taken time off for childcare or family duties, this becomes a major obstacle. The study shows that women prefer jobs with fewer entry barriers, even if they pay less.

This reveals a deeper problem. Women are not lacking skills, but the structure of the labour market often excludes them. Flexible hiring practices could make a big difference in helping more women enter or return to work.

Childcare Changes Everything

Childcare is not just a support service, it is a key factor in whether women can work at all. Jobs that offer childcare are far more attractive, even when they come with lower wages.

Many women balance paid work with unpaid responsibilities at home. Without reliable childcare, holding a job becomes extremely difficult. This makes childcare one of the most powerful tools for increasing women’s participation in the workforce.

What Matters Less Than Expected

Surprisingly, formal job contracts do not play a big role in job choice. In a country where informal work is common, women focus more on immediate needs like safety and flexibility rather than long-term benefits.

The study also finds differences among women. Younger women are more affected by job requirements and social stigma, such as being asked to disclose their home address. Meanwhile, rural and more risk-averse women place even greater importance on safety and childcare.

Rethinking Jobs for Women

The message from the research is clear. Creating more jobs or increasing wages is not enough. To truly expand opportunities for women, policies must address the conditions around work.

Improving transport safety, expanding childcare services and reducing unnecessary job requirements could have a bigger impact than traditional labour reforms.

At its core, the study shows that women are not just choosing jobs, they are navigating risks, responsibilities and realities. Until these everyday challenges are addressed, higher wages alone will not be sufficient to increase women's participation in the workforce.