Not every hero wears a cape. Good people are recognised by small activities that do not require publicity. Not everyone is capable of making sacrifices, not everyone is ready to give up thousands of minutes to support others every day, but social workers definitely do! They spread goodness every day, making our world a better place. Their mission is to empower marginalised groups, like people with disabilities, older people, refugees, and substance misusers, and ensure that they have access to the necessary resources, services, and opportunities to fully participate in society.
Every year, World Social Work Day is celebrated on the third Tuesday of March, shining a spotlight on the invaluable contributions of social workers across the globe. This year, it takes place on 19th March. It is an opportunity to recognize the dedication, compassion, and impact of social workers in improving the lives of individuals, families and communities. They work in a variety of settings, including schools, hospitals, social service agencies, and non-profit organizations, employing a holistic approach to help individuals navigate life’s challenges.
World Social Work Day was established by the International Federation of Social Workers and is part of Social Work Month, celebrated in various countries around the world. The day is intended to highlight the achievements of social work, increase visibility for social services and advocate for social policies. Each year, the Day’s theme is focused on current global challenges and priorities. Themes have ranged from promoting community and environmental sustainability to emphasizing the importance of human relationships. These themes guide events, conferences, and activities organized by social work organizations, educational institutions, and community groups worldwide. Celebrations include workshops, public awareness campaigns, advocacy efforts, and award ceremonies to honor outstanding contributions to the field.
This year’s theme is ’Buen Vivir: shared future for transformative change’ which is related to the Global Agenda for Social Work & Social Development. The theme highlights the need for social workers to adopt an innovative community-led approach, based on indigenous wisdom and harmonious coexistence with nature, fighting together with the local community for a better, sustainable future.
World Social Work Day shows how strong, caring, and dedicated social workers are all around the globe. It is a celebration but it also serves as a call to action to support the social work profession. Social workers often face high caseloads, limited resources and challenging work conditions. Recognizing their efforts and advocating for better support, including funding, training or policy changes.
There are around 3 million social workers in the world but there is a need for more! You can be the part of Social Workers Team. All you have to do is apply for the Social Work programme at UITM!
