Anglicare Southern Queensland is committed to promoting social advocacy projects and recognise the importance of World Day of Social Justice, which falls on 20 February each year.
In 2007, the United Nations declared February 20th as World Day of Social Justice. Each year, the event is supported with a different theme.
What is World Day of Social Justice?
World Day of Social Justice was created to raise awareness and put an end to global inequities. Moreover, this event encourages the importance of overcoming issues like gender inequality, systemic racism, unemployment, poverty and more.
The United Nations has a global mission to promote development and human dignity. They believe that this mission can be achieved through the elimination of inequities.
Social justice in Queensland
According to the Salvation Army’s Social Justice Stocktake, some of the recent issues that Queenslander’s view as priorities include:
- Housing affordability at 53.2%
- Mental health at 52%
- Alcohol and drug use at 47%
- Family violence at 40%
- Homelessness at 35.2%
Anglicare Southern Queensland is working to address all five of these issues through several of our Mental Health and Family Wellbeing services. Our annual Rental Affordability Snapshots are increasingly demonstrating how dire housing affordability is on people, especially in the Greater Brisbane region.
Our Snapshot is conducted to influence a response from governments and policy makers to support people in need.
We know that housing affordability can lead to increased homelessness, which is another social justice issue that our organisation provides services for. Each year, our homelessness services support an increasing number of clients. Several fundraising initiatives and campaigns have been implemented to raise awareness of this issue and allow us to continue giving back to disadvantaged Queenslanders. However, we still need support.
Among the other issues that the Salvation Army identified, there are things that we can all do at a community and individual level to reduce the impact, including:
Eliminating homelessness and affordability constraints
For homelessness and housing affordability we can advocate, volunteer or donate to people experiencing hardship. Additionally, we can educate ourselves on the issue and show dignity and respect to people experiencing difficulties.
Mental health
Unfortunately, the stigma surrounding mental health issues remains evident in some communities. Education regarding mental health related issues is an important first step to change conversations at a community level. It’s important that people are supported to receive the help that they deserve.
Alcohol and drug issues
Queenslanders can do their part in fostering social connections which aren’t reliant on alcohol or drug use. Individuals should be encouraged to seek support if they are experiencing problematic drug or alcohol use. It’s also important that we show support and compassion to those who may be experiencing problematic use.
Family violence
There are numerous ways that we can tackle the issue of family violence from a community and individual level. Supporting victims of family violence is a priority, and as both individuals and a community, we can advocate for more governance that deters perpetrators from offending and supports victims by responding to them with compassion and support.
How to promote social justice
There are numerous ways that you can influence positive social justice outcomes. For instance:
- Researching and understanding issues within and outside of your community
- Partnering with local organisations and acquiring a greater network of connections
- Becoming an active and contributing member of your community by getting involved with stakeholders and understanding pressing issues
- Raising awareness of social justice issues
- Supporting political candidates who emphasise the importance of social justice
- Finding volunteer opportunities that promote social justice
- Donating to organisations that promote improved social justice outcomes
Pictured: Leanne Wood (left) with Tammy Lloyd (Right) speaking at a conference about Youth Justice in February 2023
Learn more about our advocacy efforts
In summary, World Day of Social Justice is an important day for recognising inequalities and using your voice and power to make positive societal change. There are many organisations, like ours, who are using our voices to inform change. If you would like to learn more about our advocacy projects, please click here.