Hackathon Challenge: Empowering Liberian Youth with Innovative SRHR Solutions Problem Statement: In Liberia, youth aged 10-24 face significant barriers to accessing Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) services, including limited access to accurate information, stigma surrounding sexual health discussions, and inadequate healthcare infrastructure, particularly in rural areas. Low digital literacy, cultural sensitivities, and gender-based violence further exacerbate these challenges, leaving many young people, especially from marginalized communities (e.g., LGBTQ+, disabled, or ethnic minorities), without safe and inclusive access to SRHR resources. The lack of youth-friendly, scalable, and culturally relevant solutions hinders progress toward reducing teen pregnancies, STIs, and gender-based violence, which remain prevalent in Liberia. Updated Key Dates • Open Call for Proposals: September 4–15, 2025 • Shortlisting: September 15–16, 2025 • Pitch Deck & Tech Support: September 19, 2025 • Minimum Viable Product (MVP) Workshop: September 24, 2025 • Production Presentation & Panelist Selection: September 25, 2025 • Production Period & Quick Impact Testing: September 29–October 15, 2025 • Winners & Award Day: October 25, 2025 Hackathon Challenge: Design and prototype an innovative, technology-driven solution that addresses one or more of the SRHR needs of Liberian youth (ages 10-24), aligning with the solution features outlined (Relevance to Youth Needs, User-Centered Design, Innovative Use of Technology, Feasibility and Scalability, Ethical and Inclusive Approach). The solution must be tailored to Liberia’s context, considering cultural sensitivities, low digital literacy, limited internet connectivity in rural areas, and the need for inclusivity for marginalized groups. Solutions should be practical, cost-effective, and scalable to maximize impact across Liberia. For Support join us on the HACKATHON WhatsAPP Group Chat: SRHR Hackathon Live Chat Support To address these barriers, the innovation challenge “Innovating for Change: Youth-Led Tech Solutions for Inclusive Access to SRHR” seeks to empower young Liberian innovators to design technology-driven solutions that improve access, awareness, and behavioral change in SRHR. The initiative will bridge the gap between supply points such as clinics and pharmacies and the adolescents who need them most, while fostering scalable, sustainable, and impactful approaches to reduce teenage pregnancy and improve family planning outcomes. The Solution and Application Features:- (Guiding The Hackathon Expectation) Use Cases for Liberia (Aligned with Solutions 1-24) Use Case 1: SRHR Chatbot for Rural Liberian Youth
Problem: Many rural Liberian youth lack access to accurate SRHR information due to limited internet, stigma, and few healthcare facilities.
Solution (Inspired by #1): Develop a multilingual SRHR chatbot in Liberian English and local languages (e.g., Kpelle, Bassa) that provides age-appropriate information on contraception, STIs, and consent. The chatbot operates offline with downloadable content and uses simple text-based interactions for low-literacy users.
Hackathon Challenge: Prototype an offline-capable SRHR chatbot tailored to Liberian youth, incorporating culturally sensitive responses and a simple interface for feature phones. Ensure the chatbot addresses local myths (e.g., misconceptions about contraception) and provides referrals to nearby clinics.
Use Case 2: Peer-to-Peer SRHR Storytelling Platform
Problem: Stigma around SRHR topics in Liberia prevents open discussions, especially among youth in conservative communities.
Solution (Inspired by #2): Create a digital peer-to-peer platform where trained Liberian youth ambassadors share anonymized stories and videos about SRHR topics (e.g., menstrual health, consent) in local dialects, fostering trust and reducing stigma.
Hackathon Challenge: Build a prototype for a low-bandwidth platform that allows Liberian youth to access and contribute SRHR stories, with moderation to ensure cultural appropriateness. Include features for offline access and anonymous interaction to protect privacy.
Use Case 3: Menstrual Health Tracker for Low-Income Liberian Girls
Problem: Many Liberian girls miss school during menstruation due to lack of affordable products and education, compounded by cultural taboos.
Solution (Inspired by #3): Develop a menstrual health tracker app that educates girls on reproductive health, tracks cycles, and connects them to NGOs distributing affordable menstrual products in Liberia.
Hackathon Challenge: Prototype a low-data app for Liberian girls with menstrual tracking, educational content in Liberian English, and a directory of local NGOs (e.g., Plan International Liberia) offering free pads. Ensure the app is accessible on basic smartphones and respects privacy.
Use Case 4: Safe Space Locator for Gender-Based Violence Survivors
Problem: Liberian youth, especially girls, face high rates of gender-based violence but struggle to find safe, youth-friendly SRHR services.
Solution (Inspired by #4): Build a mobile tool that maps SRHR clinics, counseling centers, and safe spaces across Liberia, with filters for youth-friendly and free services.
Hackathon Challenge: Create a prototype for a geo-enabled app that uses crowd-sourced data to map safe spaces in Liberia, including rural areas like Bong or Nimba counties. Include offline functionality and a discreet interface to ensure user safety.
Use Case 5: Consent Education Game for Liberian Adolescents
Problem: Many Liberian youth lack understanding of consent and healthy relationships, contributing to gender-based violence and unsafe practices.
Solution (Inspired by #5): Develop an interactive mobile game teaching consent and healthy relationships through scenarios relevant to Liberian culture (e.g., community settings, school dynamics).
Hackathon Challenge: Prototype a gamified app with Liberian-themed scenarios (e.g., market or school settings) to teach consent. Ensure the game is engaging, works on low-end devices, and uses Liberian English for accessibility.
Use Case 6: Offline SRHR App for Rural Liberian Youth
Problem: Limited internet access in rural Liberia restricts youth from accessing digital SRHR resources.
Solution (Inspired by #6): Create an offline SRHR app with downloadable content on contraception, STI prevention, and reproductive health, designed for low-literacy users in rural counties like Lofa or Grand Gedeh.
Hackathon Challenge: Build a prototype for an offline SRHR app with simple navigation, visuals, and audio in Liberian English and local languages. Include a feature to sync updates when internet is available.
Use Case 7: Voice-Activated SRHR Assistant for Low-Literacy Youth
Problem: Low literacy among Liberian youth limits their ability to engage with text-based SRHR resources.
Solution (Inspired by #7): Develop a voice-activated SRHR assistant in Liberian English that answers questions on contraception, STIs, and menstrual health, designed for discreet use on basic phones.
Hackathon Challenge: Prototype a voice-based SRHR tool that works offline and responds to simple voice commands in Liberian English, ensuring privacy for users in conservative settings.
Use Case 8: Anonymous Tele-Health Platform for Liberian Youth
Problem: Fear of stigma prevents Liberian youth from seeking SRHR consultations in person.
Solution (Inspired by #9): Build an anonymous tele-health platform with encrypted chat for youth to consult SRHR experts, tailored to Liberia’s cultural context (e.g., addressing family planning myths).
Hackathon Challenge: Prototype an encrypted tele-health platform with a focus on anonymity, integrating with local health providers like the Liberian Ministry of Health. Ensure low-data usage for accessibility.
Use Case 9: AI-Powered SRHR Counselor for Liberian Youth
Problem: Limited access to counselors in Liberia leaves youth without personalized SRHR guidance.
Solution (Inspired by #11): Develop an AI-powered chatbot using natural language processing to provide tailored SRHR advice, with responses adapted to Liberian cultural norms and slang.
Hackathon Challenge: Create a prototype AI chatbot that answers SRHR questions in Liberian English, with a focus on mental health support and cultural sensitivity. Test it with scenarios like teen pregnancy or STI concerns.
Use Case 10: SMS-Based SRHR Alerts for Low-Tech Communities
Problem: Many Liberian youth in remote areas rely on feature phones and lack access to SRHR reminders.
Solution (Inspired by #13): Implement an SMS-based service sending reminders for contraception refills, STI testing, or clinic visits, tailored to Liberia’s mobile network coverage.
Hackathon Challenge: Prototype an SMS service that delivers SRHR alerts in simple Liberian English, partnering with local telecoms like Lonestar MTN to ensure reach in rural areas like Maryland County.
Use Case 11: Low-Cost SRHR Kiosk for Rural Liberia
Problem: Rural Liberian communities lack physical access to SRHR education and services.
Solution (Inspired by #14): Design a solar-powered SRHR kiosk with tablets offering educational content and tele-health access, deployable in rural markets or schools.
Hackathon Challenge: Prototype a digital interface for a low-cost SRHR kiosk, including offline content and a tele-health feature connecting to Liberian health workers. Ensure durability for rural environments.
Use Case 12: Inclusive SRHR App for Liberian Youth
Problem: + youth in Liberia face discrimination and lack tailored SRHR resources.
Solution (Inspired by #20): Develop an inclusive SRHR app with resources for LGBTQ+ youth, using neutral language and offering discreet access to counseling.
Hackathon Challenge: Prototype an app with -friendly SRHR content, ensuring anonymity and compatibility with low-end devices. Include resources for safe sex and mental health support, tailored to Liberia’s context.
Hackathon Guidelines for Teams
Focus on Liberia’s Context: Solutions must address Liberia’s unique challenges, such as limited internet, cultural taboos, and marginalized groups (e.g., disabled youth, or rural communities).
Incorporate Features from A-E: Ensure the solution aligns with at least one aspect from Relevance to Youth Needs, User-Centered Design, Innovative Use of Technology, Feasibility and Scalability, and Ethical and Inclusive Approach.
Prototype Requirements: Deliver a working prototype (e.g., app mockup, website, or SMS system) with a clear user flow, demonstrating how it serves Liberian youth.
Cultural Sensitivity: Use Liberian English, local languages, or visuals that resonate with Liberian youth, avoiding content that could offend cultural or religious norms.
Presentation: Teams must present their prototype, explain its alignment with the problem, and outline a plan for implementation and scalability in Liberia.
Judging Criteria:
Relevance (25%): How well does the solution address Liberia’s SRHR challenges for youth?
User-Centered Design (25%): Is the solution accessible, inclusive, and tailored to Liberian youth?
Innovation (20%): Does the solution creatively use technology to improve SRHR access?
Feasibility and Scalability (20%): Is the solution practical and adaptable for broader impact in Liberia?
Ethical Approach (10%): Does the solution respect youth rights and include marginalized groups?
This hackathon challenge encourages teams to create impactful, Liberia-specific SRHR solutions that empower youth while respecting the country’s cultural and technological landscape.
Aug. 25, 2025 - Oct. 24, 2025
Google Developer Group Sheridan
Online
$1,050
