Our Story

Ms Bridget Tan

29.09.1948 - 18.04.2022

Championing the rights of migrant workers

 
 

Before setting up HOME, Bridget worked in the field of human resources and was the Chairperson of the Archdiocesan Commission for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People (ACMI).

Bridget was an untiring advocate and champion of the rights of migrant workers. She founded HOME in 2004 using her retirement funds. Bridget played a key role in establishing HOME’s current activities, which includes our shelter for abused domestic workers, skills training programmes, and our legal and employment advice services for all migrant workers. A pioneer in the field, such services were almost non-existent when HOME was formally established. She played an active role in contributing to public discussion on the welfare and rights of migrants to change mindsets and policies.

Bridget was also active on international and regional advocacy platforms. She was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize by the PeaceWomen Across the Globe organisation in 2005, and received the Hero Acting to End Modern-Day Slavery Award in 2011 from the previous U.S. Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, for devoting her life to the fight against human trafficking. She has received awards from the Thai and Filipino governments for her work with migrant workers as well.

Bridget was a true friend and ally of the migrants; she always provided a listening ear and extended a helping hand to many in need.

Though Bridget has left us, the fight for justice and dignity for all remains. HOME strives to carry on the good work she started, with her compassion and strong and steadfast character.

She once said, “For me, social justice is the responsibility of each and every person. The strong must help the weak; the rich should help the poor. Those who are knowledgeable should help those who aren’t. We all have a part to play.” Her life has truly been an inspiration to many in Singapore and overseas, helping countless people from migrant workers to children. Her legacy will live on here at HOME.

The work is unending. As long as Singapore needs migrant workers, there will be a need for HOME.
— Ms Bridget Tan