Gender inequity in employment and wage disparities in Tanzania’s mega construction projects

Abstract This study investigates gender wage disparities and employability challenges in Tanzania’s mega infrastructure projects, focusing on the Standard Gauge Railway. Using a cross-sectional design, data were collected from 400 respondents across Dar es Salaam, Coast, Morogoro, and Dodoma regions. Employing descriptive statistics and the Blinder-Oaxaca decomposition method, the findings reveal a significant wage gap between men and women, with the total wage gap being 23·74%, and women earning nearly 24% less than men on average. Of this, 8·96% is due to differences in characteristics like education and job roles. The remaining 14·78% is unexplained, pointing to discrimination and structural bias in wage-setting. Additionally, education, workers-union membership, and employment procedures significantly affect male wages, whereas for women, only structured employment procedures have a positive impact, demonstrating unequal returns on qualifications. Survey perceptions support these findings, with 65% of respondents identifying gender discrimination and 45% citing occupational segregation as key contributors to wage inequality. Additional factors such as limited access to advancement opportunities, poor workplace policies, and unfair performance evaluations were also noted. Employability barriers for women included gender stereotypes (66·5%), sexual harassment and safety concerns (67·75%), unequal pay (87·5%), and lack of parental support (81%). In response, the study recommends enforcing equal pay and anti-discrimination laws, institutionalizing transparent and gender-sensitive employment procedures, expanding technical training for women, and improving workplace safety and maternity support. Cultural change efforts are also needed to address societal norms that reinforce exclusion. These findings emphasize the need for coordinated policy, institutional, and cultural reforms to promote gender equity in Tanzania’s infrastructure sector.