A Note on World Day of Social Justice

Thursday, February 20th, marks World Day of Social Justice—a day designated by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in 2007 to underscore the urgent need for social justice in all levels of policymaking, both nationally and internationally. On this day, we center the critical issues we must address—poverty, hunger, racism, gender inequality, unemployment, and all other forms of oppression. These societal ills impact people in every country on Earth and they demand our unwavering attention and action.

In the United States, World Day of Social Justice takes place during Black History Month. Black History Month recognizes the struggles and accomplishments of Black Americans, celebrating their resiliency in the face of systemic racism. An era frequently celebrated during Black History Month is the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 60s. Strategically merging the fight for civil rights for Black Americans with the pursuit of labor rights for all poor Americans, the Civil Rights Movement continues to provide a blueprint for social justice efforts around the globe.

While many nations have made commendable progress toward greater equity in their societies, significant disparities remain—particularly within the workforce. Around the globe, marginalized communities—especially people of color, women, LGBTQIA+ individuals and other historically oppressed groups—continue to face lower employment rates, diminished wages, and limited access to career advancement. This persistent inequality does not just deprive individuals of their potential but stifles the collective growth and prosperity of the communities where these individuals reside.

The work that CommCorp staff does on a daily basis embodies the spirit of World Day of Social Justice. From the UN Office for Partnerships:

“Proposals to advance social justice include improving inclusive and effective governance of work, ensuring employment opportunities and lifelong learning, reforming institutions for fairer labor market outcomes, and extending social protections across peoples’ lifetimes. An integrated approach across all these areas is touted.”

World Day of Social Justice | UN Office for Partnerships

On World Day of Social Justice, we must rededicate ourselves to the pursuit of a more just and equitable world—economically, socially, and professionally. This requires a bold commitment to bridging the gaps in the workforce, ensuring that all individuals—regardless of race, gender, or background—are afforded equal opportunities to succeed. True social justice demands that we expand access to education and career training, actively close wage gaps, and dismantle the systemic biases that prevent individuals and communities from reaching their full potential.