RBSA funded Intervention - Improving the recognition and working conditions of Domestic Workers as Care Workers in Tanzania

This project aims to enhance the recognition and working conditions of domestic workers as care workers in Tanzania. With a focus on gender equality, inclusion, and formalization, the initiative seeks to strengthen policies, improve rights, and promote social dialogue for domestic workers. The project, spanning 20 months from July 2024 to February 2026, aligns with Tanzania's national goals and international sustainable development targets.

The 2020/21 Integrated Labour Force Survey reports 5.6% of Tanzania’s 23.5 million employed individuals work in the domestic sector, with women comprising 66.5% of this workforce. Most domestic workers lack formal contracts, face poor working conditions, earn below minimum wage, and have limited access to social security benefits and union representation. Discriminatory norms viewing domestic work as not "real work" and a "natural" role for women underpin these poor conditions.

Capacity Building - Support and capacity building for tripartite constituents to address decent work deficits in domestic work and care work.

Recognition - Increase recognition of domestic work as skilled, professional care work and an essential component of the care workforce.

Legal Protection - Ensure effective protection of domestic workers through labour laws.

Policy Alignment - Contribute to the operationalization of the Tanzania National Multisectoral Generation Equality Program (TGEP) 2021-2026, URT DWCP, Gender Policy, ELRA, and other Multisectoral Policies.

Key Objectives

• Strengthen Policies - Improve sectoral and skills development policies to enhance the quality and attractiveness of care work, focusing on domestic work.
• Adopt Specific Measures - Strengthen the rights of care workers, particularly domestic workers in the informal economy, through targeted strategies and awareness campaigns.
• Promote - Enhance the participation of domestic workers in social dialogue mechanisms and strengthen the capacity of trade union leaders and employers.

Target Groups and Geographical Focus

• Direct Beneficiaries

  -Government Agencies

  -Ministries

  -Workers'

  -Employers' Organization

  -Education and training institutions

• End Beneficiaries

  -Care and domestic workers

  -Household employers

Geographical Focus

• Dar es Salaam
• Dodoma