El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele has decided to remove gender perspectives from public education in the country. Bukele announced that he would not allow “these ideologies in schools and universities” – a decision that has been praised but also raised concerns among several feminist organisations.
The Ministry of Education in El Salvador confirmed the president’s decision through its senior director, José Mauricio Pineda, who wrote on his social networks: “Confirmed: We have removed all traces of gender ideology from public schools.”
Instead, he said, the school will now focus on educating and stimulating students.
BREAKING: President Bukele bans "every last trace" of gender ideology in public schools & universities in El Salvador
Education Minister Pineda says that he will implement this ban nationwide
Bukele says he wants public education in El Salvador to educate and revilalize… pic.twitter.com/yhTmFx7oaW
— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) March 3, 2024
Strong support
The move has been welcomed, but has also been met with criticism from feminist organisations and debate about its potential impact in a country where violence against women is widespread. The outspoken Mr Bukele enjoys strong support from his own people and believes he has their mandate to implement such a policy.
Mr Bukele’s decision comes after El Salvador’s electoral court recently ended the dispute over the election results and confirmed the president’s victory. He won by a landslide, with 84% of the vote.
The electoral court also reported that the votes for the appointment of representatives to the legislative assembly have now been counted, giving Mr Bukele’s party, Nuevas Ideas, a significant majority and the possibility of more sweeping political changes.
