Do you know how much training or experience this woman has with backpacking? It's never good to assume someone knows what they're doing, even if they think they do. Having "just discovered" backpacking, I'd say a weeklong solo trip is bit of a leap. Some further learning about camping itself might be a wise decision.

The ideas you listed are all very good, though I woludn't rule out a self-defense course. The likelyhood of being in danger from other people is pretty slim, but such courses do teach one to be more aware of their surroundings, which is a good frame of mind for hiking anyway.