Social workers make vital contributions, yet they work in tough conditions. Their job takes an emotional toll, they have few resources, and their duties keep growing. Many struggles with huge caseloads and little money or support from their organizations. In poor areas, they’re often the only help for families in need, but people rarely notice their work.

By Imran Maqbool Wani

“Social workers are the social engineers of humanity, constructing bridges of compassion, laying foundations of justice, and building a society where dignity, equity, and kindness stand strong across generations.”

As the world marks World Social Work Day, I would like to take a moment to appreciate social workers around the globe for their unwavering commitment, empathy and grit. The central focus of their work this year, “Strengthening Intergenerational Solidarity for Enduring Well-Being,” celebrates the unique contributions social workers have in both dividing and uniting generations to encourage positive change. It brings to the forefront how much people of various ages need to care for one other so that society becomes a place where knowledge and experience is shared and new ideas are appreciated for everyone’s benefit.

The inspiring realization, that social work is not merely a profession, but a calling to serve, something to heal, something to change, something to advocate. Social workers are the silent but powerful source of social change. Whether they are advocating for the rights of children, standing up for persons with disabilities, responding to mental health emergencies, or providing support to communities impacted by disasters, their work is impactful in every corner of society. This work is more than quick fix solutions, they have tirelessly work to get systemic issues addressed, provide long-lasting solutions and lay the groundwork for this path of development. They walk into spaces others are afraid to tread, offering a hand to the excluded, a voice to the unheard, and hope to the hopeless. Social workers make sure those who fall through the cracks of society are not left behind. They are teachers, advocates, healers, and defenders of humanity, striving to create a just and equitable world. They make sure that those who need help get it whilst enabling them to live as autonomous, dignified individuals.

This year’s theme, “Strengthening Intergenerational Solidarity for Enduring Well-Being,” highlights the need to build strong meaningful bonds between different age groups. In a world characterized by quick tech progress changing cultural values, and evolving social norms, these bonds form the foundation of a harmonious and forward-thinking society. Social workers can help bridge the digital gap, reduce generational misunderstandings, and address disparities in opportunities. They do this by encouraging dialogue and teamwork between younger and older generations.

Intergenerational solidarity helps us keep traditions alive while we welcome new ideas. Social workers make a big difference in striking this balance. They set up places where wise experienced people can meet young energetic creative folks. Through programs for older adults, youth mentoring, and pushing for better policies, they make sure every generation gets attention. This matters a lot in places where the population is getting older and families are changing, because we need new ways to care for and support people.

Social workers help young and old people understand each other better. This leads to more respect sharing of knowledge, and working together to solve problems. They know that communities are strongest when all ages come together. The past can teach us about the present and help us build a better future. By working to include everyone social workers create places where people of all ages feel important, connected, and involved.

Social workers make vital contributions, yet they work in tough conditions. Their job takes an emotional toll, they have few resources, and their duties keep growing. Many struggles with huge caseloads and little money or support from their organizations. In poor areas, they’re often the only help for families in need, but people rarely notice their work. They face problems with money, not enough staff, and red tape that make it hard to give communities the care they need. Burnout is common, as social workers deal with tricky emotions while trying to change big systems. They have to settle fights, give mental health support, and push for new laws—all while managing their own feelings. The low pay and lack of thanks add to their troubles, which makes their dedication even more impressive. To fix these issues, we need big changes better ways to support social workers, and everyone to work together to help those who spend their lives helping others.

So, as we commemorate World Social Work Day in 2025, let us not just pay homage to the contributions of social workers but also take tangible measures to support and boost them. It is essential that they prioritize social work reporting through an increase in funding and provision of social services, professional development and fair wages for social workers who dedicate their lives to the community and the people they support. In addition to benefiting social workers, sustainable investment in social work enhances the entire society by ensuring that effective services are delivered to those who need them.

Communities also need recognize the importance of social work. This increased knowledge and respect for this profession results in broader collaborations between social workers and local agencies that can create a more streamlined and efficient support structure for all involved. Increasing awareness of social work as an important career option university admission should recognize social work as an important career option and encourage more people to join this noble profession. By embedding this aspect from childhood, future generations can be encouraged to contribute to social welfare, be it through their professions or voluntary actions. In addition, people can give back by volunteering their time, advocating for legislation that promotes social welfare and just saying thank you to the social workers whom they encounter. Even small acts of recognition and regard can inspire these unsung healers to do what they do with a little more passion, and a little more commitment. Acknowledge the labour they put in, amplify their stories, amplify their voices and speak to the work and impact they make the role that they have in society.

Social workers are the builders of change, defenders of human rights, and personification of compassion. The profession goes beyond mere duty; it is an endless fight for justice, equity, and dignity. Their work goes beyond crisis intervention; they are building strong communities, so that they are able to withstand challenges pertaining to social, economic, and environmental factors. Through advocating for policy change, human rights, and social inclusion, their drive is to ensure that no matter how small, the concerns of vulnerable groups are given distinct consideration in the ever-evolving context of social development. As we celebrate World Social Work Day 2025, let us identify their marvelous work and re-pledge our commitment toward nurturing intergenerational solidarity. This day should not only be celebrated but also to wander in the past to find answers to why we don’t give the professional the strength it should have to cement its mission, give it recognition, give it support from the society that it should receive.

To all the social workers who have dedicated their life to empowering others, this day is for you. Your selfless strength and compassion affect profoundly that no words can appropriately express. You are the silent revolutionaries, the unheralded heroes fighting battles that many wouldn’t turn a head to glance. You sew together lives torn apart, illuminate the darkest corners, and bring forth the rights of the unheard. What you do is not for nothing. Today and every other day, we honour you, stand with you, and thank you for making the world a kinder, more just world. If a society honours its social workers, the same society will honour its future. May those who do not celebrate them just for one day but integrate their wisdom, commitment, and compassion into the core of our living. For when social workers prosper, humanity prospers. And when humanity prospers, the world will be in a better position to attain lasting well-being for all.