By Prosper Makene
Tanzania has continued to build its standing on the international stage after being recognized as an example to follow in advancing the rights of women, including domestic workers, during commemorations of the United Nations International Day of Women in Diplomacy held in Geneva, Switzerland.
The recognition was issued during the Human Rights Debate on Women’s Rights held on the sidelines of the 62nd Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, which is taking place in Geneva from 15 June to 7 July 2026. The session has drawn diplomats, UN officials, and civil society representatives to review progress on global human rights commitments, with a dedicated focus this year on gender equality and the protection of vulnerable workers.
Speaking on behalf of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Ms. Chidi King, Director of the Gender, Equality and Inclusion Unit at the International Labour Organization (ILO), commended Tanzania for its collaboration with the ILO in implementing programs that enable domestic workers to identify, protect, and defend their rights. The ILO has worked with member states to strengthen legal frameworks and awareness campaigns for domestic workers, a group that remains largely female and often excluded from formal labor protections.
Ms. King said the efforts have contributed to building women’s leadership capacity, confidence, and full participation in decisions affecting their lives. She noted that the programs have helped amplify women’s voices in communities and workplaces, allowing them to engage more effectively with employers, local authorities, and policymakers. This shift, she added, is critical to ensuring that labor rights translate into tangible improvements in working conditions, wages, and access to social protection.
The United Nations International Day of Women in Diplomacy, marked annually on 24 June, was established by the UN General Assembly in 2022. The day aims to recognize the contribution of women in diplomacy and in building a world of equality, peace, and sustainable development. This year’s commemorations in Geneva included panel discussions, exhibitions, and high-level dialogues on women’s representation in peace processes, climate negotiations, and digital governance.
For Tanzania, the debate was attended by the Deputy Permanent Representative of the United Republic of Tanzania in Geneva, Ms. Hoyce Temu. She participated in the commemorations that brought together leaders, diplomats, and various human rights stakeholders from different countries.
Tanzania’s delegation used the platform to highlight ongoing national efforts to align domestic labor policies with international standards and to promote women’s economic inclusion.
Tanzania’s recognition at the forum continues to demonstrate the country’s achievements in implementing the gender equality and human rights protection agenda. Officials say the acknowledgment strengthens Tanzania’s position as a champion of reforms aimed at empowering women, particularly those in informal and domestic work sectors where legal protections have historically been limited.
The focus on domestic workers reflects a broader UN push to address the rights of women in vulnerable employment. According to the ILO, more than 75 million people globally are employed as domestic workers, over 75% of whom are women. Many still lack contracts, minimum wage guarantees, and access to healthcare or pensions.
As the Human Rights Council session continues, member states are expected to share national experiences and best practices on gender-responsive labor policies. For Tanzania, the commendation in Geneva adds to its diplomatic visibility ahead of the 153rd Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly scheduled for Arusha this October, where gender parity and women’s leadership will also feature prominently.
ENDS
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