Abstract:
This paper presents a Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) analysis of human
resource dynamics within Tanzania's rail sector, focusing on the representation,
participation, voice, and capacities of its workforce. It uncovers significant gender
imbalances, with women markedly underrepresented in both technical fields and
leadership roles. Through a comprehensive review of the legislative framework, workplace
policies, and prevailing cultural attitudes, the analysis identifies a range of barriers
hindering women's full engagement in the sector. These include obstacles to entering
STEM-related fields, inadequate workplace facilities, and a general lack of gender-
sensitive practices despite supportive legal provisions. Employing a mix of document
review, key informant interviews, and extensive surveys, the study offers a detailed insight
into these challenges. It advocates for a multifaceted strategy that not only tackles
structural and cultural barriers but also fosters an environment where women can fully
engage and excel. This includes policy reforms, targeted educational programs, and
enhancements to workplace infrastructure, all aimed at harmonising the sector's human
resource practices with international standards for gender equality. The ambition is to pave
the way for the Tanzanian rail sector to become a model of gender inclusivity, thereby
driving socio-economic growth and setting a benchmark for GESI in the wider transport
industry.
