When Victoria Kisyombe’s husband died, his family reclaimed all of the couple’s property under Tanzania’s customary laws. Victoria was left with just one cow to support her children. Because the banks would not lend money to women, Victoria saw a business opportunity and launched a micro-credit institution. She provided leases on farm animals and machinery for widows and young women starting businesses. She took the extra step of mentoring the women and making sure they were able to repay their loans.