Abstract:
This paper investigates the experiences of male and female cleaners at the
Mwalimu Nyerere Memorial Academy (MNMA), linking their roles to ethical
leadership, gender equity, and sustainable governance. Grounded in the
philosophy of Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, who advocated for the dignity of labor,
the study highlights how cleaning staff maintain a hygienic and dignified
academic environment while facing systemic inequities and social
marginalization. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, data were collected from
30 cleaners and two key informants through interviews, questionnaires, and
observations. The findings reveal significant gendered divisions in labor, with
women predominantly assigned indoor cleaning tasks and men responsible for
outdoor maintenance. This division reflects entrenched gender socialization, as
47% of women reported acquiring skills at home, compared to only 17% of
men who received formal training. Cleaners encounter numerous challenges,
including chronic underpayment, inadequate personal protective equipment
(PPE), infrastructural neglect, and disrespect from students and staff. These
issues affect their morale and performance and hinder MNMA's sustainability
and inclusivity goals. Many cleaners engage in side jobs to supplement their
low wages, which detracts from their focus and quality of work. The study
emphasizes the paradox of essential workers being undervalued despite their
critical role in education. It advocates for an ethical leadership approach that
prioritizes the voices and welfare of support staff. Recommendations include
equitable training opportunities, revising pay structures, raising awareness
among students and staff about the contributions of cleaners, and fostering
collaboration between MNMA management, cleaning firms, and student affairs.
By highlighting the importance of cleaners in governance and sustainability
discussions
