Changes in Employment by Gender and Business Operation in Newly Privatized Companies in Tanzania

Abstract

ABSTRACT Although a body of research is now available on privatization in Africa, little has been published on the changes in employment by gender or of changes in business organization in the newly privatized enterprises. In all sub-Saharan African countries where privatization has occurred, employment levels have fallen from pre-privatization levels. In general, government policy in the socialist countries was to treat women equally with men in employment and wage levels. However, practice was often at odds with policy. In this case study, sixteen newly privatized firms in Tanzania were visited each year for four years. This article includes a brief description of the changes in ownership/management, type of business organization, employment levels, problems, and potential economic viability of the new enterprises. In 2000, data on employment by gender were also obtained, together with changes in business organization, physical working conditions and management attitudes toward female employment. It was assumed that in a male-dominated society with a high unemployment rate, a stagnant economy and a withdrawal of the socialist emphasis, the ratio of female to male employees would fall. However, it was actually found to have risen. Additional research is necessary to confirm or deny this important finding.