Speaker
Dr Komalsingh Rambaree
Associate Professor of Social Work
University of Gävle, Sweden
Ecosocial Work and Sustainability
Abstract Narrative
“Note: 1. This workshop will be held in connection with a call for papers on ‘Ecosocial Work and Sustainability’ – Refer to https://www.mdpi.com/journal/sustainability/special_issues/Ecosocial_Work 2. This workshop is intended for all those who would be interested in submitting an article to this special issue. 3. The outcomes of the workshop: Participants will be able to a. Have further information on the context, topics, themes, and requirements regarding the call for paper b. Discuss ideas and get feedback on their submission with their peers (including guest editors for this special issue) c. Network with others from the conference to develop ideas on submission ABTRACT (300 -500 words) Social development seeks a transformative shift requiring more concrete actions and commitments towards sustainability. The Brundtland Report of 1987 on sustainable development called for the wellbeing of all over an indefinite period. It emphasised the importance of ensuring that any contributions towards progress in society need to not compromise the ability of future generations to meet their needs. However, more examples from practice are needed. Consequently, this workshop will highlight the holistic approach to practice that is required in order to facilitate this shift. In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in interest in sustainability within social work education, practice and research. However, most of the social work discourses have focused on social sustainability and not much on sustainable development. Bringing the social work field into the discourse of social development thinking will encourage the collaborative and interdisciplinary work that is required to advance social development practice. By focusing on capacity building of local communities, the role of social work to support water-related ecosystems, programs that support vulnerable women and girls in accessing adequate and equitable sanitation, and promoting indigenous initiatives and world views, this workshop will highlight the best practice and encourage further interdisciplinary and collaborative work that is needed to advance social development practice. In the workshop, the following key areas that will be covered by the presenters/co-ordinators: • Komalsingh Rambaree: Initiatives that seek to expand international cooperation and capacity-building of local communities to support access to safe and affordable drinking water for marginalised and impoverished communities, including water harvesting, desalination, water efficiency, wastewater treatment, recycling and reuse technologies (20 mins) • Sandra: Work that seeks to protect and restore water-related ecosystems, including mountains, forests, wetlands, rivers, aquifers and lakes, as well as social work practice that seeks to improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials (20 mins) • Jennifer Boddy: Programs that supports women and girls in vulnerable situations to access adequate and equitable sanitation (20 mins) • Questions and answers: 30 mins * No technical support is required, as the presenters will have their own Zoom link (if possible) ”
Dr Jennifer Boddy
Associate Professor and Deputy Head of School
Griffith University
Ecosocial work and sustainability
Biography
Associate Professor Jennifer Boddy
Dr Jennifer Boddy is a passionate educator and leading international researcher in environmental social work. Her work is grounded in a commitment to social and environmental justice. Through her research and teaching she seeks to create healthy, sustainable environments and address barriers to accessing education for diverse groups. Coupled with her practice experience as a counsellor and therapeutic caseworker, she has an indepth understanding of the complexities of people’s environments and their impacts on education, health and wellbeing. Jennifer’s recent research is focused on the intersections between domestic violence and climate change.
Dr Sandra Engstrom
Social Work Lecturer
University of Stirling