diff --git a/fitnesstrax/app/src/gtk_init.rs b/fitnesstrax/app/src/gtk_init.rs
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..2ac6662
--- /dev/null
+++ b/fitnesstrax/app/src/gtk_init.rs
@@ -0,0 +1,10 @@
+use std::sync::Once;
+
+static INITIALIZED: Once = Once::new();
+
+pub fn gtk_init() {
+    INITIALIZED.call_once(|| {
+        eprintln!("initializing GTK");
+        let _ = gtk::init();
+    });
+}
diff --git a/fitnesstrax/app/src/main.rs b/fitnesstrax/app/src/main.rs
index 1e86d60..316bfa6 100644
--- a/fitnesstrax/app/src/main.rs
+++ b/fitnesstrax/app/src/main.rs
@@ -17,6 +17,8 @@ You should have received a copy of the GNU General Public License along with Fit
 mod app;
 mod app_window;
 mod components;
+#[cfg(test)]
+mod gtk_init;
 mod types;
 mod view_models;
 mod views;