Tanga sees drastic decline in cases of abuse against domestic workers

TANGA: CASES of abuse against domestic workers in Tanga Region have significantly declined following increased awareness of workers’ and employers’ rights, although many workers are still employed under verbal agreements instead of written contracts.

The remarks were made by leaders of the Conservation, Hotels, Domestic and Allied Workers Union (CHODAWU) in Tanga during a two-day training programme organised by the International Labour Organization (ILO) in collaboration with the union.

Tanga Regional Chairperson for Domestic Workers, Mayasa Mdoe, said unlike in previous years, most complaints currently received involve delayed payment of wages rather than physical or psychological abuse. He attributed the positive trend to continuous education that has improved awareness of labour rights and responsibilities among both workers and employers.

Peer educator and trainer Hadija Singano said the ILO-supported programme equipped trainers with knowledge on labour laws, employment contracts, leave entitlements and minimum wage standards. The knowledge has since been shared with domestic workers and employers through community meetings and door-to-door awareness campaigns, helping to reduce workplace disputes.

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Some participants said the training had empowered them to better understand their rights. Aisha Juma noted that she is now aware of institutions such as CHODAWU and the Commission for Mediation and Arbitration (CMA), where domestic workers can seek assistance when facing workplace challenges.

Another participant, Saumu Charles, said the training had given domestic workers the confidence to demand written employment contracts as a way of safeguarding their rights and improving working conditions.