Africa-Press – Botswana. Social workers have been lauded for playing a key role in advocating for the needs and rights of those whose voices were less audible to the society.
As such it was befitting to honour efforts and dedication of social workers who work tirelessly behind the scenes to uplift the most vulnerable among societies.
Minister of Justice, Mr Machana Shamukuni poured such accolades when giving a keynote address at the World Social Workers Day commemoration themed: A Shared Future for Transformative Change, in Kasane recently.
“We recognise that social work is a complex and challenging profession that is meant to stand out to spearhead positive responses in this era where social ills at individual, family, school, workplace and the society in general are rife.”
He said the theme placed great emphasis on the need for social workers to adopt innovative, community-led approaches, which were grounded in adopting indigenous wisdom and embracing harmonious coexistence with nature.
The speaker indicated that the theme was a timely reminder of the transformative role that social workers played in driving positive change and fostering communities that throve on mutual respect and sustainability.
Mr Shamukuni said the role of social workers had shifted over the last few years to match the rapid changes of the 21st century, which could be achieved by supporting self-development and embracing technology in their interventions and interactions to facilitate easier access to services.
He said his ministry in collaboration with Stakeholders and development partners undertook and launched a research on child-friendly justice system, adding that social workers played a significant role in this initiative.
The minister said the introduction of the gender-based violence (GBV) court and the establishment of child-friendly police stations were a step in the right direction by the government.
“Social workers are the first point for intervention in resolving cases of GBV and promoting reporting of child-related matters to fast-track the prosecution and court processes.”
Mr Shamukuni acknowledged the proactiveness of Botswana National Association of Social Workers (BONASW) for motivating government to establish a council for social workers through an Act of Parliament as a way of regulating the profession and safe guard the interests of the public.
In her remarks, President of BONASW, Ms Moitshephi Dibotlhale said the association aimed to ensure that social workers in Botswana upheld the ethics and culture of the profession in delivering services to clients.
She stated that the commemoration was a platform for social workers to interpret and discuss achievements made in execution of their work.
Furthermore, Ms Dibotlhale pointed out that the day recognised the contributions of social workers in individuals, families, communities and the wider society.
She said the association was currently in the process of submission of the Social Work Profession Council facilitated by the Department of Social Development.
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