INSIGHT: Inadequate social security cover major obstacle: ILO

The ACT-Wazalendo party has pledged to make social security mandaroty for all farmers so that they would enjoy the various benefits provided under the schemes including access to education support and health care.

International Labour Organisation (ILO) has underlined the need for sub-Saharan countries to increase their social spending in order to address unemployment.

   The ILO country director for Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda Mr. Alexio Musindo speaks during the opening session of the Actuarial modeling and social budgeting  workshop in Arusha.To his right is the Permanent secretary of MOLE  Mr. Eric Shitindi  to his left is the Assistant Labour Commissioner Mr. Daudi Kaali.
 The Permanent Secretary of MOLE Mr. Erick Shitindi (first left), the SSRA Director General Irene Isaka (center) and the country director of ILO Mr. Alexio Musindo (left)...

>Inequality and discrimination, particularly toward women, are among the world’s biggest obstacles to development, a UN report published on Wednesday says.

>The number of Tanzanians covered by social security schemes remains low more than 50 years after independence. Those employed in the formal sector are the most likely beneficiaries. The majority of people, who are casual workers or self-employed, make do without social security.

ACT-Wazalendo presidential hopeful Anna Mghwira  addressed the residents of Nachingwea stating that securing citizens' social security funds would be top on her priority list if she were voted into office.

What is the percentage of Tanzania’s population that has access to social security schemes in this period of post-liberalisation of the country’s social security system?

About 42 million out of Tanzania’s 45 million people are excluded from the country’s social security cover, a senior government official has said.

Socio-cultural set up is undergoing rapid change in Africa. One key institution affected by the change is the family.