This blog was written by the LWV UN Observer Group.

Social justice is a commitment to fairness and equality for all people, regardless of wealth, power, access to basic needs, and other factors. The advancement of social justice is closely connected to the global work of fostering peace, ensuring safety, and upholding human rights. 

In recognition of that connection, in 2007, the United Nations (UN) adopted a resolution to establish and celebrate World Day of Social Justice on February 20. Each year, the observance highlights a different theme. The 2026 theme is “Empowering Inclusion: Bridging Gaps for Social Justice,” which emphasizes the importance of developing inclusive policies and social protections to reduce inequality and make society more equitable for everyone.

How Does World Day of Social Justice Connect with LWV?

As the UN works on a global scale and the League focuses on the United States, the goals of social justice and the UN’s 2026 specific themes both connect directly to the League’s mission. 

As an organization dedicated to empowering voters and defending democracy, we know that equal participation in civic life depends on electoral systems that are fair, accessible, and inclusive. Everyone should be able to get reliable election information, access their polling places, and make their voices heard by their representatives. Too often, our government systems fall short of that ideal, and sometimes, legislation and public policies are inequitable by design.

Consider a few examples:

• Voter suppression laws that restrict access to the electoral process and disproportionately affect minority communities, such as limits on mail voting that affect voters with disabilities or strict ID requirements that create barriers for systemically excluded communities.
• Legislation and public policies that create inequities in healthcare access and treatment based on gender, sexual orientation, and racial identity, such as laws limiting the freedoms of transgender Americans.
• Gerrymandered voting districts that keep certain groups in power while silencing the voices of others through racial or partisan manipulation. 

The struggle for social justice involves combating these inequities. The League is proud to support this effort in partnership with the United Nations. 

How You Can Celebrate World Social Justice Day

Social justice advocacy is the work everyone can do to support marginalized communities and challenge unfair systems. The UN connects this work to several of its Sustainable Development Goals, including ending poverty, achieving gender equality, promoting livable wages, economic growth, and ending inequality.

The League focuses on reducing barriers and empowering people to participate fully in civic life. From registering voters to defending their rights in court, building a more inclusive democracy is at the heart of the League’s work. To get involved in your community, start by finding your local League. 

There are many ways to celebrate the World Day of Social Justice. Consider one of these:

• Learn about the different areas of social justice work, such as voting rights, reproductive justice, or racial equity.
• Volunteer with or donate to organizations working on gender equality, poverty reduction, fair labor practices, or other equity issues.
• Pick up a book (from your library or locally owned bookstore) about inequality, such as Nickel and Dimed, The New Jim Crow, Invisible Women, or The Color of Law.
• Talk with a friend or family member about what social justice means to them and how it affects their life.
• Explore educational resources on equity and justice through the Southern Poverty Law Center’s “Learning for Justice” hub.
• Share this message to help others learn about World Day of Social Justice.