DODOMA: THE Government has pledged to continue championing equality in employment for all individuals, regardless of their circumstances, including opposing discrimination against persons with disabilities.
This statement was made by Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office (Labour, Youth, Employment and Persons with Disabilities), Mr Ridhiwani Kikwete, during the closing ceremony of training on safety, health, rights and responsibilities for persons with disabilities.
The training was organised by the Occupational Safety and Health Authority (OSHA) in collaboration with the High Court – Labour Divsion.
The training, which involved more than 100 participants, included employees of the judiciary and other public institutions. The two-day training was held in Dodoma from Monday, this week.
In his speech, Minister Ridhiwani stated: “International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention No 159 emphasises equality in employment for all people, whether they have disabilities or not. Statistics show that 15 per cent of the global population consists of persons with disabilities and one of the challenges facing this group is being subjected to indecent work conditions and discrimination. Therefore, as a member of the ILO, Tanzania will continue to advocate for decent work practices and firmly oppose discrimination against persons with disabilities.”
He further noted that the training provided by OSHA is part of the government’s responsibility to protect its workforce through enforcement of the Occupational Health and Safety Act No 5 of 2003. He urged OSHA to continue fulfilling this duty effectively for various groups within the society.
Earlier, during the opening of the training on December 16, 2024, the Chief Justice of the High Court of Tanzania, Dr Mustapher Siyani, commended OSHA and the High Court – Labour Division for recognising the importance of organising such specialised training, which is rarely provided to government employees.
“Although the government offers various training sessions for its employees, it is very rare to have specialised training like this, which includes employees with diverse disabilities from all regions across our country,” stated the Chief Justice.
Meanwhile, the Presiding Judge of the High Court – Labour Division, Dr Yose Mlyambina, explained that the purpose of the training was to empower the target group to participate in efforts to combat illnesses, accidents, fatalities and other workplace hazards while understanding their rights and responsibilities in executing their daily duties.
In her remarks during the opening of the training, OSHA’s Chief Executive Officer, Khadija Mwenda highlighted the reasons for OSHA’s collaboration with the judiciary, emphasising that it aligns with the Sixth Phase Government’s directive under Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan, which calls for synergy between government systems.
