Bridging gaps and creating change on World Day of Social Justice Day 2025

February 10, 2025

World Day of Social Justice is celebrated each year on 20th February and the theme for 2025 is ‘Empowering Inclusion: Bridging Gaps for Social Justice.’  

Perhaps there is something a little familiar about the theme for World Social Justice Day this year. Perhaps, the term Bridging Gaps makes you think of Australia’s Close the Gap Strategy to reduce disparity between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australians.  

Bridging Gaps for Social Justice means considering those people who fall through the cracks and who have been denied opportunities that are granted to others. Bridging gaps for Social Justice means combatting systemic inequality and creating inclusive policies. 

As individuals, we can wait for change, or we can choose to create change ourselves. Within our families and communities, there are gaps that we may not be able to close completely, but we can actively work to make them smaller.  

Firstly, begin by asking, “Which individuals or groups in my community are most in need?” Perhaps, you live in an area with lots of isolated, elderly people. Maybe your suburb has high numbers of overseas immigrants with limited English and local knowledge.  

Secondly, consider your skills and your capacity. Could you take an elderly neighbour out for coffee once a fortnight? Perhaps, your action could be as simple as initiating a conversation with a family who have recently moved to Australia and sharing your knowledge of local resources. Bridging gaps of social justice starts with the smallest and most simple of actions: conversation.   

Conversation leads to connection; connections form active communities; and an active, engaged community is the precursor for social change.  

For some inspiration to expand your mind (and your tastebuds!) this World Day of Social Justice, here is a free copy of the Flavours of Hope cookbook. From Ukraine to Sierra Leone – each recipe was selected by a current or former refugee to tell their story and share a taste of their culture. Enjoy!  

Happy World Day of Social Justice.