World Day of Social Justice

Advancing Social Justice: A Core Pillar for Women, Children, and Adolescents’ Health (WCAH)

Social Justice at the Heart of Policy Agendas

Momentum is growing for embedding social justice as a central aim of international, national, and regional policy frameworks. This approach aligns with PMNCH’s mission to advance equity, health, and rights for women, children, and adolescents, emphasizing that progress in these areas is essential for cohesive societies and sustainable economies.

Proponents of social justice argue that prioritizing decent work, equitable access to health and social protections, and fair labor markets is key to addressing the root causes of inequality and promoting sustainable development. These values resonate deeply with PMNCH’s agenda, particularly in ensuring universal access to health services and rights for the most vulnerable populations.

However, the persistence of grave injustices—including labor insecurity, widespread inequality, and weakened social contracts—has been further exacerbated by global crises. These challenges disproportionately impact women, children, and adolescents, underscoring the urgent need for integrated solutions to advance social justice. PMNCH is committed to addressing these systemic barriers as part of its mission to improve the health and well-being of these populations.

A Call for Action: Building Inclusive Systems

Efforts to advance social justice include:

• Improving governance to ensure equitable access to employment, education, and health care.
• Extending social protections across the life course, particularly for women and children in vulnerable settings.
• Promoting institutional reforms that foster fair labor market outcomes and enhance income equality.

These efforts directly align with PMNCH’s vision of reducing inequities in health and prioritizing investments in women’s, children’s, and adolescents’ health (WCAH). Social justice is essential for addressing systemic inequalities that hinder progress toward achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including universal health coverage and gender equality.

World Day of Social Justice: A Shared Commitment

Since its declaration by the UN General Assembly in 2007, 20 February has been observed annually as the World Day of Social Justice. This day reminds us of the importance of integrating social justice into global efforts to address inequities, promote peace, and achieve sustainable development.

For PMNCH, the World Day of Social Justice underscores the critical link between social justice and WCAH. Social justice is not only a guiding principle but also a prerequisite for ensuring that every woman, child, and adolescent has the opportunity to thrive.

PMNCH’s Role in Advancing Social Justice

At PMNCH, we remain committed to integrating social justice into all efforts to improve the health and well-being of women, children, and adolescents. Whether through advocating for universal health coverage, supporting equitable policies, or promoting investments in health and education, PMNCH will continue to fight for a world where social justice is a lived reality.

Together with our partners and stakeholders, we will persist in our mission to address inequalities, advance social protections, and champion health and rights until every individual has the opportunity to live a life of dignity and well-being.