When people think about economic inclusion, they often think about livelihoods like goats, poultry units, savings groups, training programs, market access, or income generation. These are important building blocks for creating economic opportunity, but there is another dimension of economic inclusion that is harder to measure and easier to overlook: having a voice.
In many of the remote Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) communities where Trickle Up and Whole Foods Foundation are working in Jharkhand, project participants initially arrived at group meetings quietly. Some hesitated to ask questions, and others were reluctant to share the challenges they were facing at home or within their livelihoods. Speaking in front of a group or approaching local institutions often felt unfamiliar and intimidating.
For families who have experienced generations of economic marginalization, exclusion is rarely only financial. It can also shape how people view and engage with the systems and institutions around them, which is why economic inclusion requires more than providing assets or technical training. It also requires creating opportunities for people to build the confidence to engage more actively in decisions that affect their lives.
In Jharkhand, regular coaching sessions with our participants have become one of the spaces where this transformation is taking place. Through household visits, group discussions, savings conversations, and livelihood planning, participants are gradually becoming more comfortable sharing their experiences and ideas. What may begin as a discussion about livestock management or household finances often becomes an opportunity for participants to ask questions, seek advice, and learn from one another.
Over time, these seemingly small interactions can lead to meaningful changes. Participants who once sat quietly during meetings are now contributing to discussions, and women who were hesitant to speak about household challenges are sharing concerns and exploring solutions with their peers and community coaches. Families are becoming more willing to engage with local institutions and seek out information about government programs and services available to them.
These changes matter because confidence and participation are often prerequisites for opportunity. A person who feels comfortable asking questions is more likely to seek information about a new livelihood practice, and someone who participates actively in a group is more likely to learn from others’ experiences. A woman who gains confidence in discussing household finances may become more involved in planning for her family’s future, while a participant who feels empowered to approach local agencies may be better positioned to access services and entitlements that support their well-being.
While these outcomes may not always appear in traditional measures of project success, they are often foundational to lasting change. Economic inclusion is ultimately about expanding people’s ability to participate in economic life on their own terms. Income, assets, and skills matter, but so does confidence.
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