WHI-SL community crowd at an outreach event in Bo
Sierra Leone | Est. 2010

Empowering communities.Improving health.Creating opportunities.

Women Health Initiative is a community-based organisation in Bo City, Sierra Leone, helping vulnerable young people make smart choices and decisions for sustainable development through health, advocacy, and research.

“Empowering vulnerable people to make smart choices and decisions for sustainable development.”
WHI-SL community outreach in a market setting
Founded in 2010

Bo City, Sierra Leone

WHI was founded in 2010 and registered by Bo Council in 2018.

About Us

Welcome message from WHI

We use sports, entertainments, capacity building, mentorship, community-based services, and evidence-based innovation to address community health and social issues.

Our work is built around vulnerable young people, women, girls, children, people living with disabilities, people living with HIV/AIDS, and other community members.

Our Guiding Purpose

Vision, mission, and history

The organisation is guided by equal rights, practical support, and sustainable development for vulnerable people in Sierra Leone.

01

Vision

WHI strives for equal and equitable rights and opportunities for vulnerable people in Sierra Leone by addressing social determinants of health. We need Sierra Leone free of inequalities, inequities, injustices, and social discrimination.

02

Mission

Women Health Initiative is dedicated to empower vulnerable people in Sierra Leone to make smart choices and decisions in their lives for sustainable development.

03

History

Founded in Bo City in 2010, WHI began with a group of 15 young volunteers from different student organisations who wanted to respond to community health and social issues.

Values

  • Accountability
  • Transparency
  • Effectiveness
  • Efficiency
  • Equity
  • Equality

Community Focus

WHI keeps its work grounded in outreach, education, advocacy, research, and community participation so the organisation remains practical and responsive.

Programs

Our core areas of work

WHI works through four connected programs: Health and Social Empowerment, Gender Empowerment, Human Rights, and Health Research.

WHI-SL community football activity used for health messaging
Health & Social Empowerment

Health and Social Empowerment Program

Using sports, entertainments, and community services to improve public health and social wellbeing.

Explore Program
WHI-SL community outreach session in a market setting
Gender Empowerment

Gender Empowerment Program

Supporting women and girls through awareness, safety, and economic development.

Explore Program
WHI-SL community crowd at an awareness event
Human Rights

Human Rights Program

Advocating for justice, dignity, peace, and equal rights for all.

Explore Program
WHI-SL staff recording field data and health samples during a research session
Health Research

Health Research Program

Using surveys, evaluations, and studies to support evidence-based action.

Explore Program
Why Communities Choose Us

Innovation at the center of change

Sports, entertainments, capacity building, community-based services, information and technology, and evidence-based innovation guide the organisation's approach.

Sports and entertainment

Sports, entertainments, and arts help us connect with communities in practical ways.

Capacity building

Training, workshops, debates, and mentorship strengthen skills and confidence for youth and women.

Community services

We deliver community-based comprehensive services where people already live and gather.

Evidence-based innovation

Research, information, and technology help us keep the work useful and grounded.

WHI-SL health advocacy and community sensitisation moment
Community in Action
WHI-SL gallery image
WHI-SL gallery image
WHI-SL gallery image
WHI-SL gallery image
WHI-SL gallery image

Final Call to Action

Together, we can create healthier and more equitable communities in Sierra Leone.

Join WHI as a partner, donor, volunteer, or advocate and help us build a Sierra Leone free from inequalities, inequities, injustices, and social discrimination.