World Social Work day recognizes the diligence and hard work of social workers who serve many roles in our society. The day is celebrated annually on the 3rd Tuesday of March to commemorate the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights adoption.
History of World Social Work Day
World Social Work day was founded by the International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW) in 1983. In other words, Jack A. Kamaiko founded this day Because he was an IFSW representative at that time and proposed in UN headquarters in New York.
After that, other largest social working organizations, for example, NASW (National Association of Social Workers), also promotes this day. World Social Work Day is also an opportunity to recognize the work of social workers and celebrate their contributions to society.
The history of World Social Work Day dates back to the early 2000s. Here is a brief overview of its history:
- Early 2000s: The International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW), a global organization representing social workers and social work associations, began discussing the idea of creating a day to honor and promote the field of social work.
- 2008: The first official World Social Work Day was held on March 18, 2008. The IFSW chose the third Tuesday of March as the annual date for the observance. The theme for the inaugural year was “Social Work: Courage, Hope, and Leadership.”
- Subsequent Years: Each year, World Social Work Day has been marked by various activities, events, and campaigns that highlight different aspects of social work. The themes chosen for each year often reflect the challenges and priorities facing social workers and the communities they serve.
- Global Impact: World Social Work Day has gained international recognition and participation from social work organizations, practitioners, educators, and students across the world. It has become a platform for promoting social justice, human rights, and the critical role that social workers play in addressing societal issues.
- Themes: The observance typically focuses on a specific theme that relates to social work practice and its impact. Themes have covered a wide range of topics, including mental health, environmental sustainability, gender equality, poverty alleviation, and more.
- Awareness and Advocacy: In addition to celebrating the achievements of social workers, World Social Work Day is often used as an opportunity to raise awareness about the challenges and needs of vulnerable populations and advocate for social change.
- Social Media and Events: The day is marked by various events, seminars, workshops, conferences, and social media campaigns that bring attention to the contributions of social workers. These activities aim to inspire dialogue and collaboration among social work professionals, policy makers, and the general public.
World Social Work day Dates
| Year | Date |
| 2025 | March 18 |
| 2025 | March 19 |
| 2023 | March 21 |
| 2022 | March 15 |
The theme of the social work day
This year, World Social Work day will be commemorated on March 15 with the theme “Leaving No One Behind”. This theme aims to highlight how social workers are change agents in their communities. This holiday is an important day for social workers and the communities they serve. It is a day to celebrate the profession and its contributions to society.
This year’s World Social Work Day on 21 March 2025 has the theme of is ‘Respecting diversity through joint social action‘, which stems from the People’s Charter for a New Eco Social World.
World Social Work day Quotes
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“Social work is not just a job, it’s a calling to make a positive difference in the lives of those who need it the most.” – Unknown
- “Social workers stand at the crossroads of compassion and action, bridging the gap between injustice and a better world.” – ImranRobin
- “Every act of kindness, every effort to empower, and every moment of listening is a testament to the heart of social work.” – Unknown
- “Social workers are the unsung heroes who work tirelessly to restore hope, rebuild lives, and empower communities.” – Unknown
- “In a world that often overlooks the marginalized, social workers stand up as advocates for the voiceless and champions of justice.” – ImranRobin
- “Empathy, resilience, and determination define the essence of social work, paving the way for positive change.” – Unknown
- “Social work isn’t just about helping people; it’s about empowering them to help themselves and transform their lives.” – Unknown
- “As social workers, we are driven by a shared belief in the potential for every individual to overcome challenges and thrive.” – ImranRobin
- “Compassion in action is the hallmark of social work. It’s about rolling up our sleeves and making a tangible difference.” – Unknown
- “The power of social work lies in its ability to touch hearts, heal wounds, and shape a better future for all.” – Unknown
- “Social work isn’t a job you leave at the office; it’s a commitment to making the world a better place.” – Unknown
- “As social workers, we don’t just see problems; we see potential, strength, and the capacity for transformation.” -ImranRobin
- “In the tapestry of humanity, social workers are the threads that weave compassion, advocacy, and positive change.” – Unknown
- “The impact of social work isn’t measured in numbers; it’s measured in the lives transformed and the hope restored.” – Unknown
- “Social workers are like beacons of light, guiding individuals through their darkest moments toward a brighter tomorrow.” – ImranRobin
Feel free to use these quotes to express gratitude for the work of social workers and to raise awareness about the importance of their contributions on World Social Work Day and beyond.
World Social Work day Wishes
- “Happy World Social Work Day! Your dedication to making a positive impact in the lives of others is truly inspiring. Thank you for your compassion and unwavering commitment.”
- “On this special day, we honor the remarkable efforts of social workers who tirelessly uplift communities and bring hope to those in need. Happy World Social Work Day!”
- “Wishing a wonderful World Social Work Day to the incredible souls who work selflessly to create a better world for everyone. Your kindness and empathy are truly commendable.”
- “To the compassionate hearts and helping hands that shape a brighter future, Happy World Social Work Day! Your work doesn’t go unnoticed.”
- “Happy World Social Work Day to the real-life superheroes who work tirelessly behind the scenes to empower, support, and transform lives. Your impact is immeasurable.”
- “May your efforts on World Social Work Day be celebrated, just as you celebrate the lives you touch every day. Thank you for your unwavering dedication.”
- “Here’s to the social workers who bring light to the darkest corners, who lend a hand when others turn away. Your kindness is a beacon of hope. Happy World Social Work Day!”
- “On this day, we salute the social workers who are the voices of the unheard, the advocates for justice, and the champions of positive change. Happy World Social Work Day!”
- “Happy World Social Work Day to those who go the extra mile, who turn empathy into action, and who make the world a better place with every act of kindness.”
- “As we celebrate World Social Work Day, may your hearts be filled with the satisfaction of knowing that you make a difference in the lives of countless individuals. Thank you for your invaluable work.”
- “To the social workers who plant seeds of hope, nurture growth, and empower individuals to overcome challenges—Happy World Social Work Day! Your impact is truly remarkable.”
- “May your passion for helping others continue to shine brightly on this World Social Work Day and every day. Your compassion is a gift to the world.”
- “Happy World Social Work Day! Your dedication to creating a more just and inclusive world inspires us all. Thank you for your relentless efforts.”
- “On this day, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to the social workers who embody empathy, resilience, and the spirit of positive change. Your work is a testament to your incredible character.”
- “To the social workers who give their time, their energy, and their hearts to make a difference, may your World Social Work Day be as meaningful as the impact you have on others.”
Feel free to use these wishes to express your gratitude and admiration for social workers on World Social Work Day. Your words of appreciation can go a long way in acknowledging their important contributions to society.
How to observe social work day?
- First, you can shout out to the social workers in the community.
- Those who are social workers can share your experience.
- Encourage future social workers and Attend job fairs as well.
- Besides, those who are interested in becoming social workers can learn and know more about their educational path.
- See ifsw.org for more information.
- Moreover, you can use # WSWD in all your social media posts throughout the social work day.
Can we call March is a social work month?
We can call it March Social Work Month because the first National Social Work Month was also celebrated in March 1963. So, every March, we respect the dedication of social workers every March by celebrating the day. They provide various services to adults and children in need.
Which country is best for social workers?
As everyone knows, the UK is one of the best places for pursuing a master’s degree in social work. They provide well developed social work degrees because these workers have high demand on the job market in Britain. Moreover, Russian, Vietnamese And American social workers also get outstanding payments.
What is the purpose of Social Work Day?
The purpose of World Social Work Day is to promote social works and raise awareness about the profession’s impact on societies around the world.
What are the examples of social work jobs?
A few examples of social work jobs are given below
- School counsellors
- Direct care workers,
- Child welfare specialists,
- Family advocates and others.
So let us all take a moment on World Social Work Day to appreciate the work of social workers globally and their dedication to making a difference and memorable day.
