Participating
in the recent stakeholders meeting for the Private Security Industry (PSI) held
in October 2024 at the Kareem Jee Conference Center was a privilege. This
session was organized by the Tanzania Ministry of Labour and Employment in
conjunction with the Vice President's Office. Key participants included
representatives from the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Labour, and
Employment, the Vice President's Office, PSC owners, Private Security
associations, employees, Commission of Mediation and Arbitration, NSSF, WCF,
OSHA, and PRISEP-Tanzania.
This
session served as a vital platform for capacity building. It focused on human
rights, particularly women’s rights in the workplace within the PSCs, and the
implications of the Tanzania Labor Law. This focus is crucial given the
increasing number of cases reported to the CMA over the past three consecutive
years. The meeting also aimed to gather diverse stakeholders to discuss sector
issues and identify effective solutions to these challenges.
PRISEP presented three main agendas, which were well-received by the participants. These included:
Collaborative
Engagement Among Stakeholders:
Through the PRISEP platform and other
forums, stakeholders can come together to address the needs of employers,
employees, and the government. This collaboration aims to reduce conflicts
within the sector.
Unified
Voice: Both PSC owners and employees need to reach a
consensus on their needs regarding the current legislation governing PSCs in
Tanzania. This unified approach will help shape laws that effectively guide
conflict resolution.
Guidelines and Policies: Each company should establish guidelines, policies, and by-laws to combat gender-based violence (GBV) and other forms of harassment. Creating a safe work environment is essential not only for employee well-being but also for enhancing company productivity and employee retention, ultimately leading to a more capable workforce.
By
working together, we can strengthen the private security sector and ensure it
operates on principles of fairness, safety, and mutual respect. This approach
will also encourage the sector to value human dignity, reduce cases of gender-based
violence GBV, and create safe, productive employment opportunities for women.
This is a crucial part of empowering women economically, as they serve to
protect people, property, and the nation as a whole.
