Ethical Leadership from the Ground Up: Experiences of Male and Female Cleaners at Mwalimu Nyerere Memorial Academy

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