March 18 — World Social Work Day: history, traditions, congratulations

Every year, on the third Tuesday of March, World Social Work Day is celebrated in Russia and other countries. In 2025, it falls on March 18. The purpose of the holiday is to draw public attention to this activity, to recognize its contribution to improving the quality of life and supporting vulnerable segments of the population. Read about the history of the date and the traditions of its celebration in the Izvestia article.

World Social Work Day 2025: the history and significance of the holiday

World Social Work Day was established in 1983 on the initiative of the International Federation of Social Workers and the International Association of Schools of Social Work. Later, the initiative was supported by the International Council for Social Economic Development and Social Assistance in more than 140 countries.

Social workers provide support to vulnerable groups in various areas. This profession belongs to the human-to-human system and provides for interaction with vulnerable and vulnerable segments of the population: pensioners, lonely elderly, disabled people, children from disadvantaged families, orphans, people experiencing difficulties with employment, and so on.

This holiday is designed to draw public attention to issues of social justice, support for vulnerable groups and create a more humane world.

The history of the formation of the profession of a social worker in Russia and the world

Social work as an activity to support vulnerable segments of the population has existed in society since ancient times. However, until the 19th century it was of a charitable nature and was under the patronage of the church.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with the development of industrial society, the growth of cities and the increasing complexity of social processes, it became clear that spontaneous charity was not enough. There is a need for professionals who are able to solve social problems on a systemic level.

In the 1880s, Germany, under Chancellor Otto von Bismarck, became the first country to introduce a system of compulsory insurance in case of illness, accidents and old age. This approach subsequently formed the basis of most modern social security systems.

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In Great Britain, laws regulating pensions, unemployment benefits, and health insurance were passed at the beginning of the 20th century. In the United States, during the Great Depression (1930s), President Franklin Roosevelt initiated the New Deal program, which included the creation of a social insurance system, assistance to low-income segments of the population, as well as other social security laws

After World War II, most developed countries switched to the welfare state model, where social support became an integral part of politics. Today, social security programs cover a wide range of areas, from healthcare and pensions to programs to combat poverty and unemployment.

The development of the social support system in Russia began with the reforms of Peter I. An important step was the establishment of hospitals in the provinces for the elderly, people unable to work for health reasons and illegitimate babies. The Lutheran Church played a significant role in the charitable activities of that time.

Under Catherine II, social policy was further developed: nursing homes, orphanages, and public schools were established. During the same period, a midwifery institute with a maternity ward was opened, where poor women could receive medical care.

By the middle of the 19th century, the authorities began to actively involve citizens in providing gratuitous assistance to those in need, appealing to public duty. The main cause of poverty in those years was considered to be low literacy of the population, so the emphasis was on educational initiatives. Sunday public schools offered free tuition, contributing to the social integration of the poor.

The era of Alexander I was marked by the establishment of the Imperial Humane Society. During the same period, French educator and philanthropist Valentin Gayuy founded Russia's first institute for the blind.

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The Crimean and Russian-Turkish wars were the impetus for the development of a system of free medical care. During this period, communities of sisters of mercy began to form, and later the Red Cross Society was established, which became an important institution for humanitarian support.

During the Soviet period, social work was integrated into the system of state support, and its functions were performed by representatives of a wide variety of professions.: employees of healthcare, educational, cultural, and even law enforcement agencies. Officially, social work as a profession appeared in our country in the second half of the 1980s.

In Russia, in addition to World Social Work Day, there is another similar date. In 2000, by Decree of the President of the Russian Federation, a separate professional holiday was established in Russia — Social Worker's Day, which is celebrated on June 8.

World Social Work Day 2025: how it is celebrated in Russia and the world

World Social Work Day is annually dedicated to a specific topic reflecting current issues and challenges of modern society. In 2025, it reads as follows: "Strengthening solidarity between generations is the way to long—term social well-being."

In Russia, events dedicated to the holiday are traditionally held under the auspices of the Union of Social Educators and Social Workers of the Russian Federation. The program includes forums, conferences, seminars, and educational webinars on social support issues.

In many regions, awards of representatives of the social sphere for outstanding achievements are held on this day. Social protection institutions organize thematic meetings, actions to help the elderly and the disabled, and events for families in difficult situations.

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Universities that train specialists in this field host lectures, round tables, and exhibitions on the history and current challenges of social work.

The international community pays great attention to the exchange of experience in this field. On this day, the United Nations, UNICEF and other organizations hold events aimed at supporting social work in different countries, experts discuss modern approaches and methods of work, and highlight best practices.

Who is being congratulated on World Social Work Day and how?

On this day, it is customary to express their respect and appreciation to specialists of social protection services, employees of charitable organizations, psychologists, volunteers who help people overcome life difficulties, teachers and students of specialized universities, as well as activists involved in charity work. Izvestia has prepared several examples of how this can be done.

"Dear social workers, congratulations on the holiday! Your work is an invaluable contribution to the well—being of society. Thank you for your dedication and sensitivity."

"Congratulations on the holiday! Your work requires patience and warmth, and millions of people receive support and protection thanks to it. May your work bring respect and gratitude from those you help. We wish you good health and new professional achievements!"

"Dear social workers, teachers, volunteers and all those who have dedicated themselves to the noble cause of helping other people! Congratulations on World Social Work Day! You give support to those who find themselves in a difficult life situation. Thank you for your service to society, which requires dedication, compassion and responsibility."

Earlier, Izvestia told how the Day of Consumer Services and Housing and Communal Services Workers is celebrated in Russia and the world.