The international community marks World Social Workers Day under the theme ‘Respecting Diversity Through Joint Social Action’ as an occasion to celebrate the valuable work done by Social Workers.
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The day which is overserved annually on the third Tuesday in March to recognizes the importance of social work in promoting social justice, empowering individuals, communities and creating positive change.
As the commemorative day coincides with Human Rights month, in South Africa Busi Kheswa of Gauteng Department of Social Development asserts Social work and human rights are closely intertwined as Social Workers are often involved in advocating for the rights of marginalized and vulnerable populations.
She says World Social Worker Day should express gratitude for the hard work, dedication, and commitment of Social Workers across South Africa.
“The profession has continued to breed change in our society through various interventions and programmes. Social workers are agents of change who believe that equality can heal wounds caused by abuse, racism, homophobia, heterosexism, patriarchy, classism and poverty.
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“The profession seeks to end any form of injustice to human beings and it promotes equality and social change in our communities,” Kheswa writes.
Social workers strive to promote social justice and equality by working with individuals, families, and communities to overcome social and economic barriers.
She said that despite the red tapes and bureaucracy that sometimes diminish their spirits and that of clients, the work of social workers continued to break barriers for the betterment of the vulnerable.
“The profession brings about change in our lives directly or indirectly. Social ills have become a norm in families and in society at large. Social Workers are often in the front line. Be it teenage pregnancy, substance abuse, issues of violence against women and children or taking care of the vulnerable.”
She called that in order to keep the profession on its feet, psychosocial support and debriefing for Social Workers needed to improve. She further said that the profession must ensure that the end user is protected.
“Practitioners are often confronted with traumatic situations on the field. Effective social work practice cannot take place unless Social Workers were healed from their own scars and receive emotional and trauma counselling.”
Kheswa added that the contribution of social workers in playing a crucial role in transforming society for the better deserves recognition and applause on a daily basis.
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“Our Social Workers are a voice of the marginalized in our communities and the advocacy role they play is important for social justice and contributes ultimately to transformation,” she said. “As we commemorate Human Rights Day and Month , let us also observe, recognize and celebrate those who work tirelessly and professionally to protect the most vulnerable in society.”
