March 18, 2025, is World Social Work Day, and it has a special meaning for us in Nepal. The theme for this year, “Strengthening Intergenerational Solidarity for Enduring Wellbeing,” speaks to the very foundation of our culture, which has long placed a high value on family ties and respect for elders. However, there are particular difficulties in converting this ideal into successful social work practice in the face of our country’s complicated realities.
As a social worker in Nepal, I witness the beauty of intergenerational connection daily. Grandparents caring for grandchildren, parents and grandparents taking care of children’s problems helping and healing them, families sharing resources across generations, and cultural knowledge transmission are all important aspects of our community life. However, these traditional structures are under strain. Rapid urbanization, outmigration, economic hardship, changing family system and the political situation have created an environment in which intergenerational solidarity is not always guaranteed.
Increasing investment in social work education, training, and ethical practice. By building the capacity of our social work workforce, we can better serve the needs of our communities and create initiatives that promote interaction between generations, like community gardens where generations can collaborate and with youth volunteer programs which helps in strengthening Intergenerational Solidarity in Nepal.
Here’s what Nepalese social workers around the world have to say about Social Work Day 2025:
“Currently working in Canada, I’ve seen how the breakdown of family bonds leads to mental health challenges, particularly isolation among individuals. This highlights the importance of intergenerational solidarity, something that remains strong in Nepalese communities. By strengthening these connections in Nepal, we can support both younger and older generations, reduce mental health risks, and improve overall community wellbeing” . (Aryashree Aryal, Case Manager,Across Boundaries: An Ethnoracial Mental Health Centre,Toronto Canada)
Social Work Day is celebrated annually in Nepal to recognize the contributions of social workers and raise awareness about the importance of social work in society. This day highlights the vital role of social workers in addressing social challenges, fostering inclusion, and advocating for policy changes that protect and uplift vulnerable communities. The celebration serves to inspire future generations to pursue careers in social work and emphasizes the need for continuous support for the field from both the government and the public. It also offers an opportunity for social workers to reflect on their challenges, achievements, and the ongoing need for systemic change in Nepal. (Pratik Sharma Lamichhane,Vice President at SWAN & Faculty Member, Department of Social Work)
In Nepal,we see strong intergenerational bonds in our communities. World Social Work Day 2025 is an opportunity to emphasize the importance of intergenerational connections in developing strong and resilient communities, which is very important in modern Nepali society. (Saroj Giree, Secretary at SWAN & Faculty Member, Department of Social Work)
“Despite the many obstacles, social workers in Nepal are making significant progress towards a more fair and just society. ‘The challenges are immense, but the impact of social work in Nepal is undeniable. Celebrating Social work helps in building a stronger, more equitable future.” (Roshina Kunwar, Lecturer at Lake City College & Research Center)
“My research on family dynamics in Nepal reveals a rapid transformation in family structures, significantly affecting child and elderly care, gender roles, household responsibilities, marriage and divorce patterns and family size. These shifts have profound implications for individuals and communities, highlighting the need for a strategic response from social workers. This year’s Social Work Day theme emphasizes the intergenerational solidarity to address these changes”.(Sristy Khatiwada, Lecturer at Sarswoti Multiple Campus)
“On the occasion of Social Work Day, my perception is that while we still observe it, the level of celebration and recognition seems to have diminished over time. This day holds great potential to be one of the most important days for social workers, organizations, and institutions. Social Work Day plays a crucial role in advocating for and emphasizing the importance of social work, particularly in the context of Nepal. With more attention and enthusiasm, we could elevate its significance, ensuring it becomes a day of greater recognition, inspiration, and reflection for everyone involved in the field.” (Pawan Poudel,Director at NSRC)
(Article by Anish Poudyal, Social Worker)
