Fostering a culture of empathy with Dipa Swaminathan of ItsRainingRaincoats

Dipa Swaminathan’s journey from corporate law to social impact was not one she planned, but one she felt compelled to take. The full-time lawyer with Harvard credentials had a deep appreciation for justice, but it wasn’t until a fateful encounter with two drenched migrant workers seeking shelter during a thunderstorm that her perspective shifted.

That moment marked the beginning of ItsRainingRaincoats (IRR), a volunteer-driven initiative dedicated to uplifting the lives of Singapore’s migrant workers.

“I couldn’t just look away. If I had the means to help, how could I not?” she recalls.

Her transition was not without doubts. Moving from a structured legal environment to grassroots advocacy was daunting. Yet, as she immersed herself in the struggles of migrant workers, she realised the law often left gaps.

“There’s a difference between what’s legal and what’s just. Sometimes, you have to step outside the system to make real change,” she explains.

Supporting migrant workers

Since its inception in 2015, IRR has bridged the gap between Singaporeans and the migrant community. Simple yet meaningful gestures – groceries, urgent meals and essential appliances – inject warmth into lives often marked by hardship. More than material aid, IRR offers a sense of belonging.

“People often ask where they can go to help migrant workers. The truth is, you don’t have to go to workers’ dormitories. Just open your eyes – they’re all around you,” she shares.

Yet, systemic issues persist. Many migrant workers arrive with the promise of fair wages and safe working conditions, only to face harsh realities. Wage disputes, hazardous environments and inadequate healthcare remain pressing concerns.

To put this into perspective, Dipa shares the story of a worker who suffered a medical injury from a sharp object but was denied a medical certificate. In another case, a worker diagnosed with diabetes was struggling to survive on a $450 wage while supporting a new wife and newborn back home.

“It’s not just about charity – it’s about dignity. These men contribute to our society in ways we rarely acknowledge,” Dipa emphasises.

Leading a non-profit comes with emotional challenges. Dipa speaks of the vicarious trauma of hearing about abuse, wage theft and dangerous conditions.

“You can’t unhear these stories, and they weigh on you,” she admits.

A particularly harrowing case involved a worker who attempted suicide after months of unpaid wages.

“When I realised I was the only contact he had written down, I knew I had to fight for him,” she says.

To counter this, she finds solace in her volunteers and the joy they bring to migrant workers. Her work has reshaped her perspective on resilience.

“They have hopes and dreams just like us, yet they endure hardships that many of us cannot imagine. Seeing them smile, knowing we’ve helped in some way, is what keeps us going,” she says.

Creating lasting change

Advocacy for migrant workers in Singapore has evolved, but much remains to be done. Dipa hopes IRR will continue growing, not just in numbers but in impact.

“We need a fundamental shift in how we see and treat our migrant workers. They’re not just here to serve us – they are part of our society,” she asserts.

“We need a movement that lasts beyond any one person. The goal is to create lasting change, not just temporary relief,” she says.

She envisions stronger policies, corporate responsibility, and more Singaporeans advocating for these often-overlooked individuals.

Looking ahead, she remains committed to ensuring that migrant workers are further acknowledged and celebrated.

“We need to recognise their sacrifices and contributions. They build our homes, our offices, our roads – Singapore stands because of them,” she says.

Photography Reuben Foong Assisted by Daniel West
Styling Lena Kaarudin, Assisted by Jeon Jae Won, Latisha Sonia Shaymentyran & Anis Nabilah
Hair Zhou Aiyi, using Keune Haircosmetics
Makeup Lasalle Lee, using Cle De Peau Beaute

In honour of International Women’s Day and Singapore’s 60th year, we’re celebrating the extraordinary women who have shaped its story. With Shiseido’s support, we honour the Advocators who are amplifying marginalised voices – and building a more inclusive, equitable, and compassionate Singapore.

To learn more about the 60 women who have shaped Singapore as we know it today, click here.