Contribution of Education Policy Reforms towards Gender Dynamics and the Formalization of Domestic-work Sector: A Case of Mafinga Town Council, Tanzania

Abstract

Currently, Tanzania is experiencing the policy of free education up to secondary school level. On the other hand, in Tanzania, domestic work is one of the sectors with the highest share of informal employment. However, after the introduction of free education policy up to form four, the availability of domestic workers is declining whereas the formalization of the domestic sector is persisting. It is against this background,  this study aimed at analyzing the influence of  the current educational policy towards the formalization of domestic sector in Mafinga town. The study was qualitative in nature whereby 30 domestic workers, 10 employers and 5 individuals from workers’ union were interviewed in the study area.   The study found that the new education policy has contributed towards the increase of the age to domestic sector from 12 years to 17 years; and the number of daily routine workers has increased as opposed to residential workers. Besides, domestic works currently involves both males and females; there is the increase of the middle men to facilitate the availability of domestic workers. Due to education awareness, domestic workers are now demanding their rights including the vacation from their employers and increase of salary. In addition, there is scarcity of domestic workers that has led to the mushrooming of daycare centres. However, domestic workers faced an unlimited number of challenges including overworking with low wages, delayed payments, harsh working climates as well as low social recognition.   The study hereby recommends for the improvement in the education sector among school-age females in  order to minimize their involvement in the informal sectors as domestic sectors.