Asha Manoharan
Asha Manoharan works in GMDAC’s Knowledge Coordination Unit. As the lead Data Officer on the Global Migration Data Portal team, Asha manages the Portal databases and oversees the data analyses published on the Portal. Drawing on 100+ data indicators, the Portal gives users 360-degree insights on major issues and trends of migration. In addition to drafting methodological briefs, she has authored migration data overviews and analyses on development, COVID-19, and several other themes.
Prior to joining IOM, she conducted quantitative research on public attitudes towards migrants and qualitative research on the role of foreign representations in protecting the human rights of migrant workers. Additionally, Asha developed a labour rights awareness programme for low-skilled migrant workers; taught academic research and writing to undergraduate students; and created a communications strategy for a tech startup. In the future, she aims to use her understanding of migration data to support evidence-based labour migration policies.
Asha holds a Master of Public Policy (Policy Analysis) from the Hertie School of Governance, a Master of International Relations from the Geneva School of Diplomacy and a Bachelor of Science in E&T (Linguistics) from Effat University.