Every year, the World Day of Social Justice is celebrated on the 20th of February. The day was commemorated by the United Nations in 2007 to promote efforts to seek solutions to pressing global issues, such as economic inequality, gender inequity, discrimination, and sustainable development.

The COVID-19 pandemic has deepened inequality. It has also exposed the vulnerability of over 2 million workers in the informal economy who receive little to no protection and benefits.

With this considered, the theme for the 15th World Day of Social Justice is “Achieving Social Justice through Formal Employment.” In line with SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), it aims to promote the transition of workers to the formal economy— a necessary condition for reducing poverty, increasing the sustainability of enterprises, and creating economic stability.

In many countries, women make up the majority of the informal economy due to unequal career opportunities, access to education, skill deficits, and gender-based discrimination in the job market. Hence, removing obstacles to women’s participation in the formal economy is essential to achieving social justice.

On this World Day of Social Justice, FAME Foundation calls on every individual, government agency, civil society organization, and international organization to join hands together to encourage the decent and fair employment of all, especially women, in the formal economy.