Twenty-five peer leaders representing domestic workers from six regions have completed a specialised training programme aimed at strengthening their understanding of basic labour rights and boosting their confidence in the workplace.
The five-day training, held on November 11, 2025, was organised by the International Labour Organization (ILO) in collaboration with the Government, Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and the Conservation, Hotels, Domestic and Allied Workers Union (CHODAWU).
CHODAWU Permanent Secretary Saidi Wamba, speaking during the opening session, said the programme is expected to create a positive shift among domestic workers by equipping them with the tools they need to understand and defend their rights.
“Recently, the Government announced a new minimum wage, and domestic workers were included,” Wamba said.
“But many still do not know their entitlements or understand what they should be paid. No one will hand you your rights you must work for them. That is why the knowledge you gain here must lead to real change in your workplaces.”she added
Wamba reaffirmed CHODAWU’s commitment to continuing such training sessions in partnership with stakeholders, noting that domestic workers play an essential role in society but often remain overlooked.
“You are vital to our communities, yet many of you are left behind,” he said. “Education is key to helping you recognise your importance and understand the rights that belong to you.”
ILA Project Coordinator for Domestic Workers, Chiku Semfuko, said the training is delivered in collaboration with the Tanzania Labour College (TLC) in Mbeya. Participants will receive official certificates once they complete the course.
“These sessions provide you with the right skills for your duties, and you in turn become ambassadors who will share this knowledge with others we have not yet reached,” she said.
Tanzania Labour College Principal, Hezron Kaaya, emphasised the importance of continuous advocacy for domestic workers, many of whom still struggle with low awareness of their responsibilities and rights.
“These five days will make a difference,” he said. “The knowledge you gain here strengthens the workers’ movement and contributes to building a fairer future.”
Labour Education Officer at the Prime Minister’s Office, Halima Suleiman — who also coordinates the Domestic Workers Desk — said domestic workers are recognised as formal employees and the Government continues to oversee labour standards in the private sector, including household employment.
“Many in society still do not recognise the importance of this sector,” Suleiman said. “Even domestic workers themselves sometimes fail to see that they are employees just like any others. That is why we have established this desk to address their challenges and help them access their rights.”
She said the training aims to build awareness of basic rights and encourage society to treat domestic work as a legitimate and respectable profession.
One of the participants, Juma Kinkako, said the training will help workers navigate challenges they face at work, particularly employers who assign tasks outside agreed duties without adjusting wages.
“You may be hired to tend the garden, but then the employer adds more work cooking, washing clothes, ironing, supervising the compound yet the salary remains the same,” he said.
The initiative seeks to empower domestic workers to advocate for decent working conditions, fair treatment and recognition of their critical contribution to households and the economy.
