MWANZA: TWENTY FIVE domestic workers who received certificates from the Tanzania Labour College in Mbeya, under the Tanzania Labour College, and are also employed as domestic workers from six different regions, have started to offer training to their colleagues in Mwanza.
This initiative follows the five-day training they received from the International Labour Organisation (ILO), CHODAWU, and the Government, aimed at increasing awareness of fundamental rights, dignified work, safety, and well-being at the workplace.
Speaking during the opening, a trainer and Chairperson of Domestic Workers in Morogoro Region, Desdelia Simon, said that the knowledge gained in Arusha has made them good ambassadors for change. She noted positive transformations, including herself receiving written employment contracts. She expressed gratitude to stakeholders for advocating for them on issues like contracts, timely salary payments, privacy, and better working conditions.
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Doricas Juma, a domestic worker who previously witnessed a colleague experiencing gender-based violence and sexual abuse without being able to report it due to fear of losing her job and not knowing where to turn, said that the training she received has helped her understand the appropriate steps to take when facing challenges at work.
“We ask stakeholders like ILO, WOTESAWA, CHODAWU, and the Government to help us by providing more education to employers so they understand that we are workers just like any others and deserve respect and decent work,” said Doricas.
Beatrise Kuloba, another domestic worker, explained how the training helped her understand the proper actions to take against violence and discrimination. She also called on stakeholders to continue educating employers, so they recognize that domestic workers are entitled to respectful and fair treatment.
The training has produced positive results. Yohana Anthoni, the Chairperson of Buganda Ward in Mwanza, confirmed a decrease in cases of salary delays and gender-based violence reports. He stated that since ILO and WOTESAWA began their work in the region, there has been significant progress in helping domestic workers secure their contracts, which are essential rights for both employers and employees.