DigitalHER: Empowering Girls Through Health, Technology, and Entrepreneurship
DigitalHER is a youth-led training initiative by Aion Health SL that empowers adolescent girls and young women in Sierra Leone with digital skills, sexual and reproductive health education, and entrepreneurship training. Supported by UNFPA Freetown, the program equips participants to make informed health decisions, launch income-generating ventures, and become leaders in their communities. By combining technology, health, and business education, DigitalHER fosters gender equality, economic empowerment, and youth resilience.
In Sierra Leone, adolescent girls and young women face multiple barriers to health, education, and economic opportunity. From early marriage and limited access to reproductive health services, to digital illiteracy and unemployment, the challenges are urgent—but so are the solutions. That’s why Aion Health SL, with support from UNFPA Freetown, launched DigitalHER: Health and Entrepreneurship Training—a bold, youth-led initiative designed to equip young women with the knowledge, skills, and tools they need to take control of their health and their futures.
Program Overview
DigitalHER is a 4-week intensive program that brings together sexual and reproductive health education, digital literacy, and entrepreneurship training to empower adolescent girls and young women ages 15–24 in underserved communities. Hosted in Bo, the program provides safe spaces for learning, dialogue, innovation, and mentorship.
Key components of the training include:
- Comprehensive Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) Education
Covering topics such as menstrual health, family planning, STIs, consent, gender-based violence (GBV), and teenage pregnancy prevention. - Digital Literacy & Technology Skills
Hands-on training in Microsoft Office, Google Suite, safe internet use, basic data management, and an introduction to AI for business. - Entrepreneurship & Financial Empowerment
Business ideation, pitching, basic accounting, marketing, and savings strategies to support young women in launching micro-enterprises. - Life Skills & Leadership Development
Sessions on confidence-building, decision-making, teamwork, and advocacy.
Why DigitalHER Matters
The intersection of digital exclusion, poor reproductive health education, and economic vulnerability puts adolescent girls in Sierra Leone at risk of poverty, early pregnancy, and school dropout. DigitalHER addresses this intersection holistically by:
- Increasing access to accurate health information
- Reducing stigma around menstruation and contraception
- Building skills for income generation and job creation
- Empowering girls to lead conversations in their communities
- Aligning with national priorities and the UNFPA’s transformative results, including zero preventable maternal deaths, zero unmet need for family planning, and zero gender-based violence and harmful practices.
Impact Highlights
- 27 adolescent girls and young women trained in Bo
- 100% completed SRH and digital literacy modules
- 10+ business ideas pitched by participants
- Over 5 micro-enterprises launched or in development (e.g., soap-making, fashion, catering)
- Girls reported increased confidence in using digital tools and accessing SRH services
- Community sensitization events reached 300+ residents, raising awareness on adolescent health and girls' empowerment
“Before DigitalHER, I was scared to talk about my period or ask questions at the clinic. Now, I run my own small business and help teach other girls in my village.”
— Mariatu, age 18, program participant
Supported by UNFPA Freetown
This project was made possible through the support and partnership of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Freetown Office, which has championed adolescent health, digital inclusion, and youth empowerment in Sierra Leone. UNFPA’s technical assistance and funding ensured the program could reach the most vulnerable populations with dignity, respect, and impact.
Sustainability and Next Steps
Following the success of the pilot, Aion Health SL plans to:
- Expand DigitalHER to three additional districts
- Develop an e-learning platform for remote learners
- Launch a DigitalHER Fellows Network to support alumni with grants, mentorship, and community project opportunities
- Engage boys and young men through parallel programs focused on gender equality and SRH
Conclusion: DigitalHER Is More Than a Program—It’s a Movement
DigitalHER is transforming the lives of adolescent girls by connecting health, technology, and entrepreneurship. It empowers a new generation of confident, informed, and resilient young women ready to shape their futures and lead their communities.
Through partnerships like the one with UNFPA Freetown, Aion Health SL is proud to be part of a growing movement to ensure that no girl is left behind.
📍 Learn more at www.aionhealthsl.org
📧 Contact: aionhealthsl@gmail.com
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