Divya Varma

Divya Varma leads the Work Fair and Free Foundation (WFFF), addressing the “data darkness” surrounding India’s laboring populations by generating evidence and narratives in collaboration with migrant groups.

Through empirical studies, ethnographic research, and policy-focused inquiries, the WFFF team documents the everyday struggles of migrant workers. These knowledge-building processes enable worker collectives to tell their own stories and build a collective voice for migrant rights.

The policy briefs and knowledge products generated by WFFF have influenced state policies and labor governance standards across industries. This knowledge also flows back into migrant communities, equipping leaders to engage with government officials, design coping strategies, and participate in decision-making.

Under Divya’s leadership, WFFF has forged collaborations between industry leaders and labor-rights practitioners to improve working conditions. The organization’s research on migrant workers’ experiences has also been integrated into academic programs through partnerships with leading universities.