Each year on the 20th February the international World Day of Social Justice is marked and celebrated. It was first announced in 2008 from the United Nations as a step towards a commitment to continual social justice. As we mark this significant day this coming Sunday, I felt it was appropriate to take the opportunity to reflect on social justice and what it means to all of us involved with WIZO.
What is ‘’social justice’’ and why is it important?
Social justice is the view that everyone deserves equal economic, political and social rights and opportunities. It promotes fairness and equity across many aspects of society and is directly linked to the safety and security of individuals and communities.
This annual event is a global attempt to guarantee a fair outcome for all people, by focusing on the plight of social injustice throughout the world and pressing for improvements and solutions. It is a great opportunity to continue raising awareness of social issues such as poverty and gender inequality because it is a further acknowledgment of the need to promote all our efforts to tackle these shortcomings.
For WIZO, confronting these social failings is a daily mission that is integral to the heart and soul of our mandate and vision. WIZO understands that social justice, equality and equity constitute the fundamental values of all societies and through our projects and community work, we try hard to not only promote but also to create a stronger and more equal society in Israel.
Part of WIZO’s social welfare work concentrates on the deep-rooted prejudice of gender inequality. Since its inception, the women of WIZO have stood for women’s rights and helped women in all echelons of society. To this day, WIZO leads the way in promoting equal rights and opportunities for women. In partnership with the Israeli parliament and through legislation and educational programmes, we have been extremely successful in the above endeavours. We have endorsed policies and statutes that aim to achieve gender equality and some have been incorporated into schools, universities and even the legal system.
The World Day of Social Justice carries with it the goals and priorities that encapsulate the day-to-day work and vision of WIZO. This is clear to see through our projects that are dedicated to social welfare in all sectors of Israeli society. Throughout Israel it is evident how WIZO is empowering women.
An equal and more impartial society will always be a stronger and more successful one! This year on the World Day of Social Justice, WIZO South Africa reiterates and reinforces our commitment to establishing ‘’social justice’’ for all, both in Israel and in South Africa.
WELL DONE WIZO!!!