World Day of Social Justice

February 20th gives the world an opportunity to celebrate society, unity, and respect for all. The World Day of Social Justice was established by the General Assembly of the United Nations in 2007, with the purpose of raising a voice against social injustice and to bring the world together to remove poverty, gender, and physical discrimination, illiteracy, and religious discrimination.  

This year’s theme is achieving social justice through formal employment. According to the UN and the International Labour Organization (ILO), more than 60 percent of world’s employed population work in the informal economy. Workers earning their living this way are more likely to have lower incomes than those in the formal economy and usually lack employment-related benefits or social protections. The COVID-19 pandemic has shined even more of a spotlight on the vulnerabilities of people working in the informal economy. Promoting the transition to formal employment, and creating opportunities around the world, will reduce poverty and inequalities while increasing productivity and sustainability of many industries and enterprises. This is why not just on the 20th of February but all year we are striving to reduce poverty and inequalities within the environment of formal employment.

In the Pacific Northwest, several organizations work to fight social inequities from a variety of angles so that everyone has opportunities to thrive. Below are a few to learn about.

• • Social Justice Fund NW:  Foundation working on the front lines of social change with the goal of creating long-term solutions across Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and Wyoming.
  • Pioneer Human Services: Seattle-based nonprofit organization that strives to transform society through honoring humanity and reducing mass incarceration. With programs across Washington State, Pioneer Human Services empowers people to live safe, healthy and productive lives through treatment, housing, job training and manufacturing. (read a profile about the organization on Verity’s blog).
  • Social Justice resources at The Seattle Public Libraries: Collection of programs, resources and events around social justice topics, including criminal justice, employment, civil rights, and intellectual freedom.

What does this day mean to you and how are you celebrating?