25 marginalised girls in Makeni Sierra Leone will acquire skills in tailoring, sanitary pad production, and digital marketing enabling them to secure employment and earn income. Over time, they will build financial independence, confidence, and social influence. It is expected that 90% of these girls will sustain their incomes long-term.

Local Solution

Girl Child Network Sierra Leone (GCN-SL) is addressing critical challenges like youth unemployment, educational exclusion, period poverty, and the marginalisation of adolescent girls, especially survivors of Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) and school dropouts. By providing targeted training in tailoring and digital literacy, we aim to empower these girls to achieve financial independence through sustainable livelihoods.

Across Sierra Leone, many girls lack access to vocational training, digital skills, and affordable menstrual products, leaving them vulnerable to poverty, dependence, and exploitation. This project was inspired directly by the voices of girls themselves, who identified these issues as priorities and proposed solutions.

Over six months, 15 out-of-school girls, many survivors of Sexual and Gender Based Violence or affected by early school dropouts, will learn tailoring and sanitary pad production from experienced professionals who understand the local context. They will gain confidence and practical expertise to build sustainable livelihoods. These girls will produce eco-friendly reusable pads and gain employment at EcoJC Pads, a social enterprise committed to menstrual health and environmental sustainability, established by GCN-SL.

Meanwhile, 10 in-school girls will be trained in digital content creation, graphic design, and marketing, supporting EcoJC’s sales efforts and amplifying community advocacy. Additionally, GCN-SL will provide psychosocial support to help girls rebuild confidence and develop leadership skills. This community-driven, hands-on approach ensures that girls acquire relevant skills that lead directly to income-generating opportunities while promoting gender equality by creating safe spaces for girls to reclaim agency and challenge social norms.

With extensive experience working with marginalised girls, survivors of SGBV, and youth empowerment initiatives, GCN-SL is well-positioned to deliver impactful, sustainable results through this project.

Lives Improved

In the short term, 25 girls will gain new skills that enable them to earn income. The 15 out-of-school girls will begin working at EcoJC Pads, supporting their families and gaining financial independence. The 10 digital trainees will contribute to marketing efforts, earning part-time income and building professional confidence.

Within a year, this initiative will benefit not only the girls but also their families and communities. As girls generate income and assume leadership roles, an estimated 100 family members will experience improved nutrition, education, and overall well-being.

Community Impact

Long-term, these girls will sustain their incomes and serve as community role models. They will continue advocating for menstrual health, gender equality, and youth empowerment, transforming societal norms. The project will also strengthen EcoJC Pads as a sustainable social enterprise, creating more jobs and promoting environmental sustainability.

Community members will observe increased acceptance of girls’ participation in economic activities and greater awareness around menstrual health, leading to more inclusive social norms and gender equality.

Budget

The budget for the following activities is SLE140,402(or €5,252). Funds will be allocated as follows:

• Tailoring and reusable pad production training and associated costs
• Digital skills training and associated costs
• Mentorship, empowerment, and psychosocial support services
• Graduation and start-up support
• Monitoring, evaluation, and documentation
• 5% to iMPACT direct for facilitating direct donations to local solutions (which helps to cover costs of the website, promotion and proposal writing, costs of financial services, and the support to NGOs).

Own contribution: GCN-SL will play a vital role in guiding, empowering, and amplifying the voices and futures of Sierra Leone’s girls, ensuring sustainability and long-lasting impact.

Testimonial

“Before GCN-SL, I felt invisible after everything I went through. Now, I run a small business, earn, and teach other girls. The project gave me confidence and a voice. I’m no longer just a survivor, I’m a leader.”  Fatmata K.