Supporting Widows through Small Businesses

At WiGLI, we believe that widows are not a burden, but a vital force for community resilience when given the right support. Many widows in Burundi face stigma, economic exclusion, and the overwhelming challenge of providing for their children alone. Without access to resources, they are often pushed into extreme poverty.

To address this, WiGLI launched an initiative that provides seed capital and start-up kits to widows who wish to build small businesses. These businesses include activities such as petty trading, tailoring, basket weaving, and food processing; skills that can quickly generate income and create a sustainable livelihood.

What makes this program transformative is not only the financial boost but also the accompaniment. We walk alongside each widow, offering mentorship, encouragement, and basic financial literacy training so they can manage their resources effectively.

The results have been powerful:

• Widows are now running their own shops and micro-enterprises.
• Families who once struggled for daily meals can now afford school fees and healthcare.
• Women who felt forgotten are regaining self-reliance, dignity, and hope for a better tomorrow.

This empowerment goes beyond income, it restores confidence, reduces vulnerability to exploitation, and plants the seeds for a cycle of resilience that benefits entire families and communities.