World Day Of Social Justice: How Social Justice Affects Mental Health For Everyone
Social justice tends to focus on minority groups that have little power in society and are, therefore, often dismissed by people with more clout within the power structure. However, promoting social justice can also mean caring for the needs of everyone, which benefits society as a whole. Grave inequalities have led to widespread mental health crises and continue to break down an already fractured world. When communities strive for justice for all, they can help the groups in need and strengthen the connections between everyone in society.
The origin story of the World Day of Social Justice
The World Day of Social Justice is celebrated on February 20th and was established by the International Labour Organization (ILO) General Conference in 2007. This day is meant to highlight the need for global social justice and promote initiatives to prioritize improving social justice around the world.
What does social justice really mean?
The United Nations defines social justice as “an underlying principle for peaceful and prosperous coexistence within and among nations.” Circles that promote social justice attempt to recognize the dignity of every human being and strive to create a world in which societies value equality and solidarity. The five key principles of social justice include:
- Equity: Recognizing that people have different needs and circumstances
- Access: Ensuring everyone has access to the resources for success
- Participation: Ensuring every individual has a place at the table in political, economic, and social life
- Rights: Protecting the human rights of all people
- Diversity: Respecting and valuing differences, including race, gender, and sexual orientation
The history of social justice
The idea of justice as a philosophical concept in the West was first explored by the philosophers Plato and Aristotle, who advocated for the rights of women (almost unheard of at the time). Enlightened philosophers of the 17th and 18th century continued the work, as Locke, Rousseau, and Kant created the concept of a “Social Contract” enshrining the rights of citizens within a wider framework. In the 19th century writers shifted away from a monarchical or aristocratic model toward a more egalitarian model. This model was further expanded upon in the 20th century by John Rawls who proposed that “social justice cannot be achieved if justice and liberty for one person is allowed to be overridden by the ‘greater good of others.’”
The roadblocks to social justice
The path toward social justice has not been smooth. Despite the ideas of revolutionaries, the status quo continues to fight back against the idea of equality for all. In addition, despite its fine words and ideas, the Bill of Rights was drafted by men who owned slaves. To this day in the United States, individuals avoid using the common European phrase “social democracy” to avoid being labeled as “socialist”—a dirty word to many. The rich and powerful work hard to keep the masses in submission and curtail the opportunity for the majority populace.
The future of social justice
The United Nations takes the lead in supporting initiatives that address social and economic inequalities around the world. This organization is a cornerstone of their mission as enshrined in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, an international blueprint for peace, prosperity, and sustainable economic growth around the globe. Despite these efforts, the future of social justice seems to remain cloudy. Many countries, including the United States, are seeing a backlash of right-wing extremism that bode ill for social justice initiatives, and the rights of many groups are in jeopardy and currently hang in the balance.
Why social justice is important
While the groups supported by social justice initiatives are called “minority groups”, these minority groups make up most individuals. For this reason, some refer to these groups instead as marginalized communities. Women, individuals with disabilities, Black and Indigenous people, Latinos, the LGBTQ+ community, and other marginalized groups continue to struggle with inequality and associated mental health challenges. Until the challenges these groups face are addressed on a societal level, mental health problems may continue, not just in these groups but for everyone.
How social justice impacts mental health outcomes
Disparities in wealth, race, culture, gender, and sexual orientation can lead to generational trauma and a range of mental health disorders like anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In addition, the mental health system in the United States is often ill-equipped to address mental health in minorities.
Statistics on mental health and social justice for minority groups
The same disparities that create mental health challenges rob these communities of access to mental health care. 90% of Black and Latinx adults do not have access to care for substance use disorders, and Black individuals are more likely to be diagnosed with schizophrenia, labeled as hostile, and given high doses of antipsychotic medications than their white counterparts.
The LGBTQ+ community is impacted as well. Individuals who are part of the gay community, especially trans youth, experience higher rates of suicide. In 2025, extremists have started to push legislation to erase trans identity and disenfranchise Queer rights in the United States, which has led to more social justice efforts.
How to promote World Day of Social Justice this February
Education can be part of improving social justice outcomes around the world. This February, celebrate World Social Justice Day by prioritizing the needs of minority groups.
Start with yourself
As with other changes, start with yourself. Educate yourself on social justice; what it means, how it affects people on an individual and societal level, and how you can best help people in your community.
Educate your social group about the World Day of Social Justice in February
When you have a strong grasp of the basics, take it to the next level by sharing information and resources with your family and friends. The UN website has information and resources that you can share.
Work at a community level to improve mental health
Look around your area to find where you can spend your time, effort, and money to support the rights of minority groups and promote fair outcomes and fundamental values. Volunteer for and donate to these groups whenever possible. Call and write to your politicians about injustices and inequality, and voice your support for equality initiatives in your area. Run for local office yourself if you can, and support and vote for the politicians in your area that support social justice initiatives.
How mental healthcare for one can lead to better care for all
As a society, mental function improves when all parts are functioning to the best of their ability. If only one class of people is served, imbalance can create society-wide challenges. The effects of widespread generational trauma may contribute to substance use problems and other forms of mental disorders that can lead to crime and violence. Crime and violence can also lead to further trauma and disorder, creating a viscous cycle.
Mental healthcare to address the disorders that are perpetuated by social and economic disparities can stem the tide of this cycle and lead to a cycle of healing. Some progress has been made in mental health over the past decade or so as telehealth has offered access to a wide variety of mental healthcare services that may have been previously unavailable or difficult to get.
Communities may still have a long way to go systemically in educating and raising a new generation of diverse mental healthcare professionals, but therapy can now be accessed more effectively with online therapy platforms like BetterHelp. You can be matched to a therapist that is right for you, whether you are looking for a Black therapist, or a therapist who specializes in LGBTQ+-friendly care. In addition, you can choose between phone, video, or live chat sessions, giving you control over how you receive support. Studies have found online therapy as effective as in-person therapy in treating anxiety and depression, common conditions in marginalized groups.
Takeaway
Mental healthcare is only one piece of the puzzle when building a world of equality and justice for all, but it can be an essential piece. Celebrate the World Day of Social Justice by amplifying the message of mental healthcare for all. For personalized support and guidance, consider reaching out to a therapist online or in your area.
Why is World Day of Social Justice celebrated?
World Day of Social Justice is celebrated to recognize efforts to create a fairer environment supported by economic and environment systems, as well as global and national policies. It weaves environmental sustainability into strong social protection measures. According to the United Nations, making changes for a sustainable future means making sure the move toward low-carbon economies benefits all people.
At the Second World Summit for Social Development, a global event focused on social justice, policymakers plan to discuss targeted green skills training, community-led economic diversification, and reinvestment into emerging green sectors, among other topics. Prioritizing both the planet and the people who live there through global, national, and regional policy agendas may ensure that sustainable growth benefits everyone.
What is the theme of World Social Justice Day 2025?
The 2025 theme of World Social Justice Day is “Strengthening a Just Transition for a Sustainable Future.” It will focus on advancing social justice through inclusive policies focusing on economic transitions, climate change, and social inequity with the goal of reducing inequality, creating more (and better) jobs, and furthering sustainable development agendas.
How can you celebrate World Day of Social Justice?
A few ways to celebrate World Day of Social Justice include learning about social issues, supporting organizations that focus on developing a truly sustainable global economy, and spreading awareness. You can also host or participate in local events for World Day of Social Justice.
What is an example of a social justice issue?
Economic inequality, or the gap between the rich and the poor, is one example of a social justice issue. Those who fight for social justice generally aim to develop a more equitable society.
What is the quote for World Day of Social Justice?
There isn’t one specific quote for World Day of Social Justice. However, the following quote by Martin Luther King, Jr., may be applicable: “The time is always right to do what is right.”
How can you promote social justice in the community?
You can begin to promote social justice in your community by evaluating your own beliefs and researching local social justice concerns. Participating in your community, working with local social justice organizations, volunteering, and donating to applicable organizations can make a difference.
Is mental health a social justice issue?
Mental health can be considered a social justice issue because many people who experience social disadvantages are at a higher risk of living with mental health disorders. Developing comprehensive social protection for all populations could lead to improved mental health.
How does an anxiety disorder apply to social justice?
Individuals from disadvantaged populations may be more likely to develop anxiety disorders. Those with anxiety disorders also tend to be more likely to experience various forms of stigma and discrimination that can limit their rights and opportunities.
What are the five principles of social justice?
The five principles of social justice are typically listed as diversity, equity, access to resources, participation, and human rights. While each of these principles is important, human rights are often viewed as the most vital.
What are the disadvantages of social justice?
Common criticisms of social justice include the following:
- People tend to be viewed as groups rather than individuals.
- There can be a tendency to see the world with a simplistic black-and-white mindset.
- Social justice efforts can undermine the concept of personal responsibility.
- Next Article