This year's World Social Justice Day theme, "Bridging Gaps, Building Alliances," highlights the need to address our society's deep inequalities and injustices. Individual efforts are not enough, and collective action is required.
Considering this theme, we will explore what resourcing for social justice looks like and some critical considerations to ensure that social justice initiatives effectively bridge gaps, build alliances, and work towards a fairer, more equitable society.
Resourcing for social justice goes beyond just providing finances for social justice initiatives; it also encompasses the competencies and capabilities of social justice champions and the workforce, as well as the time, knowledge, and influencing power.
However, there are challenges to promoting effective change in resourcing for social justice, such as funding limitations, conflicting program interests, and restrictive civic space - all of which relate to the operating space in which social justice initiatives are run. Internal challenges that could impact the heart of social justice movement building are often overlooked, including:
Limited research and documentation of social injustice systems and practices. There needs to be more knowledge development and production on social injustice due to its recent emergence and recognition as a social issue. The information mainly focuses on academic research, with very little on policy or practice change. This limitation is even worse in the global south, where knowledge production focuses on written products, with little or no appreciation of the oral narrative and storytelling capabilities.
Limited appreciation and integration of survivors of social injustice in designing and decision-making of social justice interventions: The unconscious bias of "victim mentality" continues to plague social justice interventions, where the perception of survivors is that they are incapable and unknowledgeable, as opposed to being experts and knowledge developers. On the other hand, development practitioners have suffered from the "saviour mindset" that bestows them with the 'right to provide solutions' instead of taking the service approach – the right to facilitate solutions. This mindset has limited social justice interventions in bringing about effective social change.
Promoting professionalism of social justice response: Social justice, by its very nature, is passionate; empathy, compassion, and passion are but a few of the necessary requisites for development practitioners in social justice movements to embrace and have, as much as the professional requirements and legal competencies required to engage in social justice interventions. The balancing act of profession and passion needs to be revised, with a growing focus on building traditional professional skills (knowledge competence) and a limited focus on building social skills. In a world where social injustices are now taking centre stage in political, economic, and technology fields, the focus on these traditional professional skills has led to interventions losing the people-centred approach to an egocentric approach – about the development practitioner and their institutions and not about the communities or the cause they advance.
Focus on short-term solutions instead of long-term change ('application of the band-aid'): While the survivors of social injustice and champions of social justice desire interventions that ensure that injustices are resolved and justice is served, interventions among development practitioners continue to focus on the symptoms rather than the root causes. This focus may be a result of other existing challenges mentioned above.
What are some reflections to address these perspectives? As we reflect on World Social Justice Day, let us focus on
Building collective action. Collective action involves joining forces to advocate, organise, demand, and act for social change. Whether through peaceful protests, supporting marginalised communities, or holding institutions accountable. Or even building united voices to create a tangible impact. Let us remember the Swahili proverb that says, "kidole kimoja hakivunji chawa" (one finger does not kill a louse), a reminder of our responsibility to help each other rise, a reminder that one cannot do it alone.
Acknowledging diversity is also crucial. Recognising diverse perspectives, experiences, and voices is essential, not just as checkboxes but as vital tools for dismantling social injustices. Listening actively to local communities and excluded groups, providing platforms to amplify their narratives, and centering their struggles are essential for practical social justice efforts. True inclusion goes beyond mere representation; it demands dismantling power structures and ensuring equitable access to opportunities and resources.
Recognising individual responsibility: It is paramount to recognise that change begins with us. It begins with each of us choosing empathy over indifference, and individual actions facilitate change; inaction facilitates complacency. Let’s educate ourselves, challenge our biases, and hold ourselves accountable. Remember, individual efforts become a collective force for good when harnessed together.
Finally, social justice resources should be geared towards influencing change in artistic expressions, building narratives that promote alliance-building, and investing in programs examining and understanding the root causes of social injustices.
World Social Justice Day serves as a powerful call to action. Ask yourself: How are YOU contributing to bridging gaps and building bridges to enhance Social Justice? Change doesn't happen by waiting; it happens by doing.
Comentários