Give to Gain: Listening, Livelihoods, and the Power of Small Beginnings

The theme #GiveToGain resonates deeply with my initiatives, 'I am a Listenerpreneur' and 'Micro Businesses, Micro Opportunities'. On this year’s International Women’s Day, the theme #GiveToGain reminds us of a truth that is both simple and transformative: when we give—our time, our support, our opportunities—we create a ripple effect that benefits entire communities.

In my journey, I have learned that empowerment often begins with something simple: listening. When we give our time to hear someone’s story, we help them find their voice. When we support micro businesses, we strengthen livelihoods and food security. When women give opportunities to one another, communities gain resilience and hope. But this ain’t that easy.

In my journey as a freelancer and aspiring changemaker from Kerala, I have come to understand that empowerment does not always begin with large-scale interventions. Sometimes, it begins with something as quiet and powerful as listening. Through my initiative, I am a Listenerpreneur ( renamed Listenerpreneur Club), I have been exploring the idea that listening itself is a form of giving- giving our precious time to someone, at times taking the risk of 'giving our insights' into someone's journey. When we truly listen to women—their struggles, their aspirations, their untold stories—we offer them something often denied: space to be heard. And in that space, something remarkable happens. Confidence grows. Clarity emerges. Voices that were once hesitant, begin to lead. This is where the “gain” begins.

Parallel to this, my initiative Micro Businesses, Micro Opportunities ( renamed Micro Opportunity Club) focuses on supporting small, often overlooked, traditional and sustainable livelihoods. In a world driven by scale, we sometimes forget the strength of the small. A home-based food business, a local artisan, a traditional farmer—these are not just economic units; they are pillars of resilience and food security. (‘Unnecessary appeal’ in conferences for ‘development’ has often got on my nerves. I consider ‘betterment’ of people.)

When we choose to support such micro businesses, we are not just making a purchase—we are giving opportunity. And in return, we gain stronger local economies, preserved traditions, and empowered women who become contributors to their families and communities.

The theme I #GiveToGain beautifully connects these two ideas. Whether it is listening or livelihood, the act of giving is never one-sided. It creates a cycle of empowerment. Giving is not about charity; it is about partnership. It is about recognising that every woman, regardless of her background, has something valuable to contribute. When we invest in that potential, we are also investing in our collective future.

As we reflect on this year's #IWD theme, I believe the way forward lies in these small, intentional acts. Let us listen more. Let us support more. Let us create more opportunities for one another.

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