The International Labour Organization (ILO), WoteSawa and CHODAWU have trained about 100 domestic workers in Mwanza to improve their understanding of labour rights and workplace conditions.
The training forms part of ILO’s project to enhance recognition and decent work standards for domestic workers in Tanzania.
Opening the session, ILO Eastern Africa Project Coordinator Chiku Semfuko said domestic workers are recognised under national labour laws but still face significant challenges.
“Domestic workers are like any other workers, and the law recognises them,” she said. “Although the law exists, many still lack knowledge of their rights and responsibilities.”
Semfuko stressed that domestic work is essential yet undervalued.
“Domestic work is difficult. Many of us work in offices comfortably because someone at home handles cleaning, childcare, security or even training. We must respect their work and ensure decent conditions,” she noted.
She added that ILO works with organisations such as WoteSawa to counter harmful stereotypes.
According to her, joint efforts are needed to change the perception that domestic workers are thieves or do not deserve rights.
CHODAWU’s Head of Legal Affairs, Asteria Gerald, said the union is scaling up training nationwide.
“Last week we trained domestic workers in Arusha and created peer educators. It is difficult for society to discuss any group without including them,” she said.
She noted that four peer educators joined the Mwanza training to strengthen awareness on rights, laws and obligations at work.
Gerald said CHODAWU is also advocating skills development through VETA training.
“ILO, together with vocational colleges, is working to professionalise domestic work. This year we came to Mwanza to challenge negative perceptions,” she added.
WoteSawa Mwanza Director Angela Benedicto said participants were drawn from day workers and live-in domestic workers. She said the focus was on rights, contracts and legal protection.
“This is to promote decent work and break abusive practices by strengthening good relations between employers and employees,” she said.
Participant Elizabeth John said delayed payment remains a key issue.
“Some employers delay or fail to pay salaries on time. These trainings help us understand how to address such challenges,” she said.