Domestic workers in Tanzania often form the backbone of countless households — cooking, cleaning, caring for children or the elderly — yet their contributions remain largely invisible and undervalued. Behind this essential labor, many face a “silent struggle” marked by lack of legal protection, low self-worth, and systemic neglect.
Hidden Challenges in Plain Sight
Experts say that many domestic workers suffer not just from exploitation, but from emotional and structural barriers that make their work precarious. According to union leaders and psychologists, low self-esteem and weak knowledge of labor rights trap many in cycles of abuse.
The Citizen
Legal Awareness & Rights
Saidi Wamba, Secretary-General of the Conservation, Hotels, Domestic and Allied Workers Union (Chodawu), says that many domestic workers don’t even know their legal entitlements — including the newly revised minimum wage.
The Citizen
In June, the Tanzanian government introduced a revised minimum wage that includes domestic workers for the first time in years.
The Citizen
Wamba stresses: “Knowledge is the starting point. You must understand that no one will hand you your rights. You must claim them.”
The Citizen
Peer Education as a Solution
To close this knowledge gap, the ILO (International Labour Organization), in collaboration with Chodawu and the government, recently trained 25 peer educators across six regions.
The Citizen
These peer educators will help domestic workers understand labor laws, recognize abuse, negotiate better terms, and pass on that knowledge to others in their communities.
The Emotional Toll
More than legal rights, many domestic workers must grapple with deep emotional wounds. Clinical psychologist Dr Esther Mlay told The Citizen that past trauma, societal stigma, and being continually demeaned in their work can erode self-worth.
The Citizen
Humiliation, constant insults, and overwork — even without physical violence — leave psychological scars that often go unnoticed.
Structural Vulnerability
Tanzania has an estimated two million domestic workers, making them one of the largest informal labor groups in the country.
The Citizen
Yet, many operate without written contracts, predictable hours, or clearly defined responsibilities. According to the Tanzania Labour College, this lack of structure leaves workers weak and disempowered.
The Citizen
Hezron Kaaya, the college’s principal, warns that without better organization, domestic workers will continue to be marginalized.
The Citizen
Government & Union Action
Officials say they are pushing for reform. Halima Suleiman, labour education officer at the Prime Minister’s Office and coordinator of the Domestic Workers’ Desk, says the government is working to formalize the sector — while also changing public perceptions.
The Citizen
She told The Citizen that many households still don’t view domestic work as real employment, a mindset that enables mistreatment and underpayment.
The Citizen
Lingering Risks
Despite recent progress, risks remain. Reports continue to surface of sexual harassment, discrimination, and unpaid wages in the domestic work sector.
The Citizen
Chodawu and other groups are calling for stricter enforcement of labour laws, mandatory contracts, and stronger education campaigns so that workers can recognize abuse and safely report it.
The Citizen
Wamba argues that building confidence is the foundation: “Workers must understand abuse, recognize their value and know how to report it.”
The Citizen
What Needs to Happen
Many experts believe that real transformation in this sector will require:
Sustained public education so society begins to value domestic work as real employment.
Stronger enforcement of labor laws, especially for minimum wages and contracts.
Psychosocial support — counselling, community networks, and safe spaces for domestic workers who have been abused.
Union strengthening, so workers are better organized and have a collective voice.
The struggle of domestic workers in Tanzania has been ongoing for decades, but for the first time, their voices are slowly growing louder — and demanding the dignity, respect, and rights they deserve.
