Harare, (New Ziana) -Zimbabwe joined the rest of the world in commemorating the World Social Work Day amid calls for intergenerational collaboration to foster well-being and economic development.
The event, themed “Strengthening Intergenerational Solidarity for Enjoying Well-Being,” brought together social work professionals, policymakers, and stakeholders to reflect on the contributions of the profession in fostering sustainable development and social justice.
Speaking at the event, held at the Women’s University in Africa campus in the capital, Deputy Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Mercy Dinha emphasized the critical role social workers play in supporting vulnerable communities through advocating for human rights, providing essential services, and promoting social cohesion.
“As the government, we recognize and appreciate the tireless work of social workers who serve as the backbone of Zimbabwe’s social protection system,” she said
“Their role in ensuring social justice and human dignity is crucial as we strive toward achieving Vision 2030 (the vision to become an upper middle income society by 2030).”
Dinha further highlighted the way recent challenges, including climate-induced shocks such as the El Niño-induced drought, have tested Zimbabwe’s social protection systems.
She called for greater investment in social work resources, training, and policy support to ensure the profession remains resilient in the face of emerging crises.
The commemoration also underscored the importance of intergenerational collaboration in the profession, with speakers, including representatives from the Institute of Women Social Workers, noting that younger generations bring new solutions to contemporary social challenges, while older professionals provide institutional memory and guidance.
Lynn Matie from the Institute of Women Social Workers outlined the contributions of social work to national development, emphasizing the promotion of gender equality, social justice, and sustainable development.
She called for stronger partnerships between government, civil society, and social work institutions to amplify the impact of the profession.
“As social workers, we must continue advocating for evidence-based policies and social justice while ensuring that all generations young and old play their part in fostering well-being and economic development,” said Matie.
The event concluded with a call for renewed commitment to strengthening intergenerational solidarity, recognizing that collaboration across age groups is essential for building a more inclusive and just society.
Initiated by the International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW) in 2007, the annual World Social Work Day serves as a global platform to highlight the achievements of social workers and advocate for improved social services.
This year the event in Zimbabwe reinforced the country’s commitment to leveraging the profession to address pressing social issues and promote national development.
New Ziana
