Commemoration of the Domestic workers day 2017 in Tanzania

The International Domestic workers day was marked globally on 16th June 2017 with the Global theme “All for one, one for all: Dignity and Decent Work for National, Migrant and Refugee Domestic Workers”. In Tanzania, the commemoration took place in Dodoma, the country’s capital city. The Conservation, Hotel, Domestic services and consultancy workers union (CHODAWU), an affiliate to the Trade Union Congress of Tanzania (TUCTA) in collaboration with the ILO organized a media outreach programme and a workshop to mark the day. The event was meant to promote formalization of the domestic workers sector and advocating for the ratification of Convention 189 (2011) on promotion of decent work for domestic workers.

The media outreach programme was used to disseminate key messages on promoting decent working conditions for domestic workers and ratification of convention 189 to the media and public at large.

The event was attended by about 80 participants, among them 71 domestic workers, and was officiated by the CHODAWU General Secretary, Mr. Said Wamba. In his speech Mr. Wamba, thanked the International Labour Organization (ILO) for its support in advocating for domestic workers rights. He insisted on the continued need for all stakeholders to join in to support this vulnerable group of workers.

He hailed the Government and other stakeholders for the steps already undertaken in connection with ratification of convention 189 and insisted on fast tracking the process.

“…the domestic workers themselves should demand for written contracts as the law gives them the right to do so...it is easier for them to demand for their rights once they are formally prepared and agreed upon by both parties…” he added.

The ILO Director for Country Office for Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi, Dr. Mary Kawar, in her speech which was read on her behalf by the ILO National Project Officer, Ms. Rehema Shija, narrated on the uniqueness of the domestic workers sector and the challenges that normally face this category of workers.

“…the sector experiences lack of awareness of both employers and domestic workers themselves on the labour acts that govern the sector, poor labour administration and inadequate organizing...” she said.

She further informed that informality is one of the key challenges in the sector despite the sector being recognized by the national laws. Ms. Shija explained on how use of formal contracts has proved to be successful in other countries and how the workers in Tanzania can benefit from such experiences.

She insisted that “use of formal contracts can promote equality, fairness and increase bargaining power for the domestic workers…thereby promote compliance to employers as well...”

Ms. Mary Mwarabu, one of the domestic workers, in Dodoma township, speaking on behalf of her fellow workers, requested for Government’s and other stakeholders’ support in the ratification of Convention 189.

“… We also request the Government to take bold measures towards enforcement of existing laws so that domestic workers can enjoy their rights including - freedom of association, fair wages, employment contracts, all types of leave and social security benefits…”

The following actions were recommended for follow up by the Government and other stakeholders in order to not only formalize the sector but also in promoting the ratification of the above convention:

• Cognizant measures to be undertaken to enforce the existing laws thereby improve the welfare of the domestic workers
• Employers to make use of formal contracts
• Recognition and respect of the domestic workers by the society
• Continue with campaigns for ratification of Convention 189 and
• Domestic workers to report on abuses and mistreatment by employers as and when they happen.

In 2013, the ILO in collaboration with the Government of Tanzania, workers organizations and employers’ organizations conducted a Situational Analysis of Domestic Workers in the country. The study was meant to guide policy makers in developing sound knowledge base and promoting awareness on the sector.

According to the analysis Report, there are about 1.75m domestic workers in the country, equivalent to 7% of the total working population; 75.3% of whom are women.

During 2014/15 the Government in collaboration with workers’ and employers’ organizations, adopted tripartite action plans for Zanzibar and the Mainland to make decent work a reality for domestic workers. The action plans have been guiding tools for implementation of activities in the promotion of decent work for this category of workers including conducting awareness raising campaigns, capacity building workshops and initiating the ratification process.