The African Jesuits AIDS Network (AJAN), a CJI partner, aims to foster economic self-reliance among vulnerable women and girls, especially those living with HIV, and those who are internally displaced, orphaned or widowed. Photo: AJAN

Ever since she set up a small bread business with funds provided by the African Jesuits AIDS Network (AJAN), Grace Futi said there has been a vast improvement in her well-being and that of her family. “Family conflicts have decreased…I am busy. I manage my money with joy. I no longer ask for money to buy my medication,” said Futi, who is living with HIV/AIDS. 

Futi was one of 295 women who received scholarships for entrepreneurial skills training and funding as part of AJAN’s project, Building Resilience in Women and Girls in Africa, which is supported by Canadian Jesuits International (CJI).

Grace Futi set up her bread business after receiving an entrepreneurial skills training and funding as part of a project by the African Jesuits AIDS Network, a CJI partner.

The project was initially implemented in Burkina Faso, Togo, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Zimbabwe. This year, it is being scaled up to include four more countries:  Cameroon, Burundi, South Sudan, and Zambia.  

The AJAN project aims to foster economic self-reliance among vulnerable women and girls, especially those living with HIV, those who are internally displaced, orphaned, or widowed. They receive training in financial literacy and business management, after which they are given seed grants to purchase business supplies. They will also establish a Group Solidarity Fund, contributing to their revolving fund; form self-help groups and receive psycho-social support sessions.  

AJAN believes that equipping women and girls with the right economic skills can empower them to support themselves and their families. Running sustainable enterprises can also help to reduce stigma surrounding orphaned girls and people living with HIV. The project aims to restore their dignity and sense of purpose, enabling them to become catalysts for social change.  

Expected results of the project for fiscal year 2026-2027: 

Vol 61 No 2 | Spring and Summer 2026
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