Expectations from World Social Work Day

World Social Work Day is celebrated worldwide on the third Tuesday of March every year to promote and expand social work and to improve human relations. The main theme of this year's World Social Work Day is "Co-building Hope and Harmony: A Call for Harmony to Unite a Divided Society." It highlights the important role of social workers in building unity, solidarity and social cohesion across the world by focusing on inequality and environmental challenges.
As society continues to modernise with technological advancement, social problems are also increasing. In our country, these challenges are becoming more visible. Dowry, child marriage, murder, crime, rape, hunger, poverty and concerns related to human rights and security continue to rise. Such problems weaken the foundations of society. Moreover, the presence of professionally trained social workers to address these clearly identified social problems remains limited in our country. The culture and institutional process of recognising professional social workers have not yet been firmly established, which is discouraging for graduates of social work. While professional social workers in many developing countries find appropriate fields where they can apply their knowledge, skills and perspectives, such opportunities remain limited for social work graduates in our country.
Therefore, on this year's World Social Work Day, it is important to take effective steps to recognise social work as a profession in our country, as is the case in many developed nations. Modern and advanced training programmes should be arranged so that professional social workers can work to address the needs of the disadvantaged and marginalised communities. In addition, social workers should be formally registered to strengthen professional standards.
On the occasion of World Social Work Day, it is hoped that social work will soon receive proper institutional recognition in our country. Such recognition will help ensure that people across society benefit from professional social services. As a result, society may become more progressive, creative and socially aware. Let this aspiration guide the true spirit and purpose of World Social Work Day.

Shah Muntacher Hossain Mihan
MSS Student
Noakhali Science and Technology University