In one way or another, knowingly or unknowingly, we have treated people with bias and prejudice, based on their age, gender, race, sexual orientation, nationality, education, religion and even tribe.
As an African woman who has lived in Kenya, studied in Europe and worked in corporate America, I have tended to incline my thoughts towards conversations favouring the Black community and, more specifically, women. Recent events, however, have given me opportunities to learn, grow and teach, while breaking stereotypes, to stand and promote what is right.
It takes great courage to stand for what is right and be a part of this change. Through social justice, it is possible to accept and coexist with one another peacefully. This starts by daily promotion of social justice from wherever you are.
Below are ways you can promote social justice.
1. Listen
Its only through listening that you are able to sense and understand what an individual is saying and expressing. We live in a world where we disagree a lot with other people’s opinions, and we easily get offended by opinions that are different from our own. Expressing our thoughts in a calm manner and giving other people the same by listening to them not only promotes validation by both parties but can lead to a mutual understanding and even empathy, hence promoting social justice.
2. Accept diversity
Taking time to learn about other people’s backgrounds gives you the opportunity to understand different perspectives in the globe we live in. Personal bias and stereotypes are reduced by accepting diversity. This promotes social justice as it helps you recognize and respect other people’s way of being that may be different from ours.
3. Spread the word
Technology has made it easy for everyone to be an advocate for social justice even for the most introverted people. Being a voice of reason fosters empowerment by spreading information through communication with family, friends and colleagues, through conversations, emails and even social media. Spreading the word alone as a tool, can be good enough enough to influence someone to join you and promote equality for the marginalised.
4. Start with your community
Two are better than one; therefore, getting to know those around you or in your community will make it easy to promote social justice. Getting to know those around you will enable you to know those that have similar views as yourself and will also influence those with differing views to change their views and join you in promoting social justice.
5. Join a rally
Rallies play an important part in promoting social justice, since their main purposes are to educate a certain group of people, to draw attention to a specific issue and, eventually, to start making people to talk about the underlying issue.
6. Offer support to local organizations
Support comes in many forms, including charity donations, donating assets such as a vehicle for a local function, donating food and giving out working space. Finding a group that promotes equality is a way of promoting social justice and leaves you with a sense of belonging to that specific group.
7. Reach out to authorities
Write frequently to your local member of parliament on issues that promote social justice. Expressing your opinions on topics that are important to you can create awareness and direct the politicians to tackle these issues.
8. Don’t preach, practise!
Setting a good example for those around you through advocacy and practicing what you have learned will not only promote social justice but will also make other people to emulate you. Walking the talk will make you a leader that others will want to follow. Your followers, while pursuing social justice, will seek guidance, inspiration, motivation and cause of action, and so it’s important to practise what you preach.