World Social Justice Day was celebrated on February 20, a date established by the United Nations (UN) to promote global efforts to eradicate poverty, promote full employment and decent work, gender equality and access to social welfare and justice for all.

The celebration highlights the need to reduce economic and social disparities, to promote decent work and to ensure the inclusion of marginalized groups.

In Mozambique, the quest for social justice still faces significant challenges. According to the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Human Development Report 2021/2022, the country ranks 180 out of 191 countries on the Human Development Index (HDI), reflecting high levels of poverty and inequality which mainly affect women, young people and people with disabilities. The disparity between urban and rural areas exacerbates social exclusion, limiting access to essential services such as education and health.

The Mozambican labour market is characterized by a high rate of informality. According to the World Bank's "Informal Firms in Mozambique: Status and Potential" report, approximately 80% of the workforce operates in the informal sector, contributing around 38% to the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This reality exposes workers to precarious conditions and economic vulnerability, since many do not have access to social protection or basic labor rights.

In the education sector, although progress has been made in expanding access, the quality of teaching and school retention remain challenges, especially in rural areas. Factors such as early marriage and teenage pregnancy contribute to the high dropout rate among girls. In addition, school infrastructure is often inadequate, and there is a shortage of qualified teachers, which compromises the quality of the education offered.

Public health faces obstacles related to insufficient infrastructure, a shortage of qualified professionals and limited access to essential medicines. These factors compromise the provision of quality health services, particularly in remote regions.

According to the UN Country Team's Mozambique 2022 Results Report, efforts have been made to improve the health system, but challenges remain, especially with regard to equitable access to health services. The United Nations emphasizes that social justice is fundamental to peace and sustainable development and calls on countries to strengthen policies that guarantee inclusion and equity.

World Social Justice Day reinforces the need for concrete action to eradicate poverty, eliminate structural barriers and build a fairer and more equal society.

Fighting poverty, investing in effective public policies and promoting decent work are fundamental steps towards guaranteeing a fairer and more sustainable future for all Mozambicans.