Invasion of Ukraine three years on: a personal reflection on social work

Gerry Nosowska shares her reflections on the anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine.

This blog is not about what is happening in Ukraine or how it feels to be a Ukrainian in the UK. Those are important things to reflect on right now, as we pass three years’ since Russia’s invasion in February 2022. We can find out lots about this in the news and by conversation with people who have come to the UK. We can also read and hear about other conflicts, displacements, loss and fear for the future in many parts of the world. 

What I have been reflecting on is: what does this mean for social work? Since we live in a Europe with ongoing war, with thousands of refugees, and with constant misinformation and disinformation about what is happening…what is our role? 

I think there are ways in which social work needs to hold firm in the particular context that we are in these days. There are elements of our role as advocates and change agents in society that increasingly matter. 

Firstly, we have to hold on to what is true. There are events that have happened and are happening. There is accountability. And there is a factual story of experience and impact that needs to be heard. People need to know that their story will not disappear in the midst of the opinion and inaccuracies that are swirling about. Social workers can listen, amplify, make space for these stories and help to ensure they are not lost. 

Secondly, we need to be a voice and a presence for people who are marginalised. Power makes winners and losers. Social work has always been alongside the powerless. We need to stay in those places. There is always the threat of dehumanising people and groups of people. Social work stands for human dignity and universal human rights. 

Finally, we do need to be peace makers. We don’t know what future peace across Europe and the world will look like, though we can advocate for peace with rights and justice. However, we do know from our work what peace in our communities looks like. Every day, we play a part in building that in our personal lives, in our conversations and in our practice. 

Social work is a peaceful, authoritative and inclusive voice that we need in our world.