Our reach and impact

Over 6,000 migrant domestic workers have completed Aidha courses as of May 2024. Our research shows that for every woman who goes through our programme, nine lives are impacted, as students share their knowledge with their families back home. That’s 54, 000 lives changed, not to mention the positive impact on their communities, located in some of the poorest countries in the Asia-Pacific.

Overview of MDWs in Singapore

Key facts:

• 286,300 migrant domestic workers in Singapore*

• $515 average monthly salary**

• MDWs in Singapore work here for an average of 6 years **

• Only 6% claim to have saved enough upon their return home***

• 77% of returned MDWs wish to migrate again for work***

• MDWs work on average 13 hours a day, six days a week**

* Ministry of Manpower (Dec 2023) 
** Wessels, Home Sweet Home: Work, life and well-being of migrant domestic workers in Singapore. (2015)
*** Farsight, Modern Slavery in East Asia (2016)

Aidha’s Impact Assessment Methodology

At Aidha, we are committed to building an evidence-based programme model, informed by strong research and robust programme data.

To assess our impact, we administer an extensive survey to all of our students for when they first register for Aidha and upon the completion of each module in order to track their progress over time.

This survey collects demographic data, data on students’ savings, spending, asset and business ownership. It also assesses their confidence levels in various areas including financial control, business capability, IT skills and personal self-confidence. To round off our dataset, we also administer surveys to our alumni from time to time.

In addition to the data we collect via this survey (which we have developed in collaboration with our research partner, Kadence), we also gather further quantitative as well as qualitative feedback from both the mentors and students on our curriculum and various supplementary programmes.

Every Aidha Student Impacts 9 Lives

For every student at Aidha, on average nine lives are impacted. This is based on their average number of dependants, the average number of businesses they start and the average number of employees these businesses hire.

Confidence

Our students identify the change in their confidence levels as one of their main takeaways from our courses. Students report improved self-esteem, increased feelings of control in personal situations and the belief that they are able to perform tasks well.