With today, February 20th, being World Day of Social Justice – it’s the perfect time to reflect on what this day means, and how those of us working in the recruiting space, specifically, can inspire positive changes for those around us. Recruiters have a unique and exciting opportunity to help those who have historically faced challenges in the hiring process. Social inequalities and social justice issues impact so many lives, and this day represents a chance for us to step up and truly make a difference in creating diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplaces.

At the heart of World Day of Social Justice is a simple truth: everyone deserves a fair shot—regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, or income level. As recruiters who advocate for underrepresented backgrounds, we have a special role in lifting up diverse voices and working towards a workforce that reflects the rich tapestry of our communities.

So, what can we recruiters do to really make an impact?

1. Advocate for fairness in our recruitment practices
   This means taking a hard look at our job descriptions to make sure they’re free from biased language, reaching out to diverse communities, and tearing down the barriers that prevent candidates from underrepresented backgrounds from entering the process. As an example, you can copy and paste your job description into this Gender Decoder. Certain words can be masculine or feminine leaning, and if your job description leans too far in one direction, you may unintentionally be losing candidates for your job. By creating more neutral content, you may find more applicants are drawn to apply.
2. Create work environments where everyone feels valued and respected
   Encouraging hiring managers to participate in training on unconscious bias and cultural competence can be a game changer. The more you learn about unconscious bias, the more you start to recognize it, either in yourself or all around you. Unknowingly favoring one gender over another, treating others differently based on how old they are, or even judging a candidate based on their name – these are all examples of unconscious bias that we as recruiters have the ability to help combat.
3. Engage in our local communities
   By partnering with local organizations that support marginalized groups, we not only strengthen our company’s connection to the community but also help build a workforce that mirrors the diversity around us. Creating spaces for open dialogue about social justice in our organizations allows employees to share their experiences and fosters a culture of inclusivity.

To mark World Day of Social Justice, let’s all commit to recognizing and tackling the disparities that still linger in our society. With each of us taking proactive steps to promote diversity and inspire social change, the results can be amazing. Recruiters have the power to make a difference – within our own organizations, our clients’ organizations, and in our communities. Together, we can all contribute to empowering others and creating a fairer world.