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PsySSA Commemorates National Women’s Day 2025

PsySSA Commemorates National Women’s Day 2025

by | Aug 8, 2025 | Decolonising Psychology (DP), Divisions, Mental Health Calendar, Sexuality and Gender Division (SGD)

PsySSA Commemorates National Women’s Day 2025

09 August

A critical reflection on psychology’s role in advancing gender equity in South Africa

This opinion piece has been drafted by Angeline Stephens, PhD on behalf of the Sexuality and Gender Division (SGD) of PsySSA, with input from members of the SGD.

As we commemorate Women’s month in August and Women’s Day on the 9th August in South Africa, we reflect on psychology’s role in advancing gender equity and promoting socio-economic justice for women and gender diverse communities through inclusive psychological practice.

In marking this month and day, the South African government website begins by paying tribute to the women who marched to the Union Buildings on the 9th August, 1956, in protest against the Pass Laws (https://www.gov.za/WomensDay2025). Additionally and importantly, through remembering several “pioneer” women, we are reminded that women’s participation in the political transformation of our country and, specifically, in the fight for women’s rights, predates the significant 1956 march to the Union Buildings.

Accordingly, in reflecting on psychology’s role in advancing gender equity and promoting socio-economic justice for women in South Africa, we are compelled to situate psychology’s role within the broader political and socio-historical contexts of our beloved country; ravaged by the scars of the colonial rape[1] of the land and its people, apartheid violence and deep trauma.

Quijano’s (2007) concept of the coloniality of power in the “modern/colonial gender system” (Lugones, 2023) provides an appropriately relevant and critical point from which to reflect on the role that psychology plays, in the present moment, in addressing the gendered inequalities of the past, in ways that interrogate its intersections with race, class and sexuality.

To what extent has psychology shifted from being an instrument that supported an apartheid ideology and system of hierarchical racial categorisation and divisiveness to being one of inclusive practice that recognises the diversity of gendered, classed and raced identities?

Cognisant of this history that continues to permeate the lived reality of millions of women, whose lives are systematically devalued and dehumanised, in what ways does psychology advance gender equity and promote socio-economic justice for women and gender diverse communities through inclusive psychological practice?

It is appropriate to begin by considering the kind(s) of knowledge that is/are produced in academic and professional spaces through teaching, research, professional programmes and therapeutic work, as these enactments mark very tangible ways in which psychology, as a discipline and a practice, engages with (marginalised) communities and represents an instrument of power.

Psychology’s participation in teaching, research, training, therapy and community engagement offer powerful ways in which psychology can challenge and change normative, gendered ways of doing. But this requires constant critical reflexive practice of what we do.

It is pleasing to note that there is a shift towards including content that is more African-centred and produced in the global south in professional programmes. However, such content is often offered as an elective rather than one of the core modules. For a large part, western and eurocentric theoretical and therapeutic approaches continue to dominate professional programmes. The linkage between their inclusion and advancing gender equity becomes salient when we consider how psychology is done and enacted in work with women from marginalised communities in particular.

Access to resources and ownership of resources is highly gendered and raced in South Africa. The past apartheid system has meant that, for a long time, psychology has been dominated by white males from privileged socio-economic backgrounds. To what extent has this profile changed to represent a more inclusive and gender-diverse profession? And how has such change translated to empowering women from marginalised communities?

A quick survey of the selection of candidates for the professional Masters’ programmes in psychology across various HE institutions is likely to reveal a skew towards more women candidates. While this may be regarded as progressive, and a ‘good-fit’ given that more women than men tend to access psychological services, such changes may not be adequate in addressing gender equity if the programmes themselves remain primarily individualistic and westernised in their orientation.

Hence, it is pleasing to note the shift towards including more feminist, critical and decolonial perspectives in teaching, research and practice. The Hub for Decolonial Feminist Psychologies in Africa, housed at the Department of Psychology at the University of Cape Town, is a good example.

The Psychological Society of South Africa (PsySSA) itself has seen the emergence of additional Divisions based on membership interest, which, together with the more long-standing and established Divisions, reflect a shift towards more critical approaches to psychology and the communities it serves. More importantly, in terms of the gendered focus of this article, the PsySSA divisions offer practitioners a platform for more critical engagement with the changing landscape and its impact on gender and gender diversity.

The Sexuality and Gender, the Trauma and Violence, and, the Community and Social Psychology divisions, together with more recent additions such as the Decolonial Psychology and the Climate, Environment and Psychology divisions are good examples of how psychology can interrogate issues of gender and gender diversity from multiple, intersectional perspectives.

Being mindful of the power that psychology has, is important in how that power is acknowledged and shared in work with women and gender diverse people, especially people from marginalised communities, in ways that that recognise their power and agency through inclusive psychological practice. This means a move away from individualistic ways of doing, to ways that encourage collaboration and understanding in all areas of work, including community engagement and the therapeutic space.

The recent launch of the second edition of PsySSA’s Practice Guidelines for Psychology Professionals Working with Sexually and Gender-Diverse People marked a culmination of collaboration and dialogue between psychologists, academics and community-based advocates and NGOs working with sexually and gender-diverse people. It is an excellent example of how psychology, through collaboration and engagement with community stakeholders, has made a positive impact in advancing gender equity and the rights of sexually and gender-diverse people.

While this article does not specifically focus on the crisis of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), which is foregrounded in the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign in the months of November and December, SGBV remains a priority area that psychology has a role to play in working with women and other stakeholders to develop and implement interventions that seek to end violence.

Sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) marks another important priority area for women and sexually and gender-diverse people, especially from marginalised and impoverished communities. This priority area is one in which PsySSA and the Sexuality and Gender Division (SGD) have begun engaging in with the intention to make a meaningful contribution to addressing gender equity and socio-economic justice for women and sexually and gender-diverse people within a rights-based framework.

Increasingly, psychology in South Africa has opened up the spaces for the voices of (marginalised) women to be heard, valued and appreciated through ethical and collaborative research practices and engagements. Their stories of their lived experiences form an integral component in shared knowledge creation. Working with women who share their stories to advance gender equity represents a highly empowering and inclusive practice for women and psychology practitioners.

Psychology has played an important role in challenging attitudes, perceptions and behaviour that perpetuates gender oppression. However, gender cannot be regarded as a stand-alone social category. Psychology needs to adopt a more critical stance that recognises the intersections of gender with other social categories. For example, the inclusion of women with disabilities sadly remain a peripheral afterthought in many programmes and interventions that target women.

The intersections of gender with race and class remain critical when thinking about psychology’s role in promoting socio-economic justice for women and gender-diverse communities as their vulnerability is often heightened. The release and sharing of (psychology’s) power in such contexts is a necessary requirement for work that seeks to recognise agency, heal and build resilience.

The question of psychology’s role in advancing gender equity, promoting socio-economic justice for women and gender diverse communities through inclusive psychological practice, remains a critical question of relevance that we, as ethical practitioners, must engage with on an ongoing basis.

Ultimately, advancing gender equity and promoting socio-economic justice for women and gender diverse communities is about recognising women and gender diverse communities as human – and not “less than human” (Quijano, 2007). This should be a central and foundational principle that underpins psychology’s work with women.

And finally, it is worth pointing out that while we have spoken about ‘psychology’ as a discipline and a practice, psychology does not exist in a separate realm from us. We make up ‘psychology’. We all have a collective and ethical responsibility to work in ways that advance gender equity and promote socio-economic justice for women through collaborative work with women, communities, and other stakeholders such as educators and policy makers.

[1] We acknowledge that the word “rape” may be triggering for people who have experienced sexual violence, and its use in an article with a gendered focus may be viewed as being contentious. However, the word is used to convey the brutality and violence of coloniality, what it took without consent, and specifically, its continued trauma in the lives of the people, especially women, that it violated.

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Commemorating Women, Honouring Culture and Embodying Decolonial Ethics of Care Through Women’s Dialogical Spaces

By: Imbumbe Yabafazi and PsySSA’s Decolonising Psychology Division

iGwijo or songs, such as Wathint’abafazi wathint’imbokodo (isiXhosa for “You strike the women, you strike a rock”) commemorate the mass of women who marched to the Union Buildings to protest against pass laws, through the leadership of Lillian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph, Rahima Moosa and Sophia Williams in 1956. This song has since remained an anthem in Black South African women’s spaces as it carries the sentiment of advocacy for freedom, inclusion and equality not only for the benefit of women, but ultimately for all.

Today, community outreach units like Imbumbe YaBafazi draw from the tradition of igwijo, alongside communal storytelling, affective exchange, praise and dancing, during their regular grassroots dialogues aimed at addressing contemporary societal issues that affect women. Reflecting on journeying with women over the past ten years, we highlight the value of history, culture, integrity, affirmations, and togetherness in these spaces – values which are essential to a decolonised psychology.

Citing the principle that “in the communities where we operate, we map issues affecting families, with a special focus on women” and guided by the belief that women are the cornerstone in sustaining peace, stability and kindness in communities, we aim to ensure that the lived realities and of women remain central to its work. This commitment underscores the importance of recognising both the structural violence and cultural nuances that shape women’s experiences, as well as adopting a participatory approach to problem-solving.

A recurring element in these spaces is the singing of igwijo – songs such as Wathint’abafazi wathint’imbokodo referred to prior, carry sentiment and memory into the spaces where women gather. Commonly sung at Black South African gatherings, including Imbumbe’s dialogue spaces, igwijo such as Eli lizwe nge lamakhosikazi (“This is the land of women / where women reign”) invite all present to reclaim their place in the world, to remember their worth, and to reaffirm their identity. Imbumbe’s founder notes that Africans sing – whether in celebration or in sorrow. iGwijo thus become oral testaments to struggle, triumph, and hope and serve not only as affective expressions, but also as living archives of indigenous modes of knowing, healing, and relating.

At the heart of Imbumbe’s commitment to creating and facilitating these spaces of reconnection lies the belief that well-supported women and youth are the foundation of strong communities. Drawing from the African proverb, ugotshwa usemanzi (isiZulu for “You have to bend the branch while it is still wet”), we prioritise intergenerational dialogue to ensure that futures are shaped before the challenges of life harden potential. This approach ensures communal participation in reshaping narratives which restore dignity, learning and unlearning perspectives, and the transfer of practical tools for both individual and community capacity-building. Ultimately, it encourages young women to take up space in a patriarchal society marked by hegemonic masculinity – one that works to minimise and marginalise them.

Beyond offering a safe space where women can authentically be, grassroots dialogue spaces cultivate shared humanity, transmit local and intergenerational knowledges, and provide cultural grounding. They become spaces of collective consciousness, solidarity-building and community well-being, nurtured through practices of remembrance, resistance, relational accountability, introspection, action, and collective healing in the pursuit of justice. These practices reveal what mainstream psychology, in its Euro-American form, so often misses: that healing is cultural, relational, and more impactful when approached collectively.

Offering a model of embodied collective healing, Imbumbe Yabafazi’s work examples a living praxis of decolonial mental health care and serves as an exemplar for decolonial ethics of care, which are critical to an African-centred decolonised psychology. The honouring of story, song, and ritual in women’s dialogue spaces should thus not be seen as merely performative; rather, these are methodologies of healing –psychosocial, political, cultural, and spiritual interventions – forms of praxis that psychology should engage with seriously in its own transformation, particularly in the African context.

A culturally rooted, community-based approach that values the recognition of historical trauma and the structural conditions shaping mental health, indigenous knowledge systems, and oral traditions, thus positions communal healing as a valid and vital form of psychological practice.  Embracing Ubuntu (a Nguni philosophy underpinned by the sentiment that “I am, because we are” or shared humanity) in this way shifts the therapeutic process from an individualised, expert-driven model to one that is collective, participatory, and culturally grounded. Such an approach would also enable local psychology professionals to forge deeper connection and critically engage with the situated experiences, knowledges, and practices that offer healing in communities – often without formal recognition.

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Human Rights Day – 21 March 2025

Human Rights Day – 21 March 2025

by | Mar 20, 2025 | Decolonising Psychology (DP), Mental Health Calendar

PsySSA Commemorates Human Rights Day – 21 March 2025

Beyond Commemorations: Advancing Social Justice and Human Rights

By: Justice Desk Africa and PsySSA’s Decolonising Psychology Division

 On 21 March 1960, the township of Sharpeville became the site of one of South Africa’s darkest days. A peaceful protest against the apartheid regime’s oppressive pass laws ended in tragedy as police opened fire on an unarmed crowd of 5,000 people. Sixty-nine lives were lost, and hundreds more were wounded in what would come to be known as the Sharpeville Massacre. This event was a turning point in the struggle against apartheid, exposing the brutal nature of the regime to the international community and galvanising the fight for justice and equality. Today, we commemorate this day as Human Rights Day, not only to remember those who died but also to reflect on the state of human rights in South Africa and the unfinished work of social justice.

Since the fall of apartheid in 1994, South Africa has made considerable strides in establishing a constitutional democracy rooted in human rights. The Bill of Rights enshrined in our Constitution promises dignity, freedom, and equality for all. Yet, the realities of daily life tell a different story one where the legacies of colonialism and apartheid continue to manifest in systemic injustices. Economic inequality remains one of the most pressing issues, with wealth still largely concentrated in the hands of a few, while the majority, particularly Black South Africans, remain trapped in cycles of poverty. Racial capitalism, where economic power is still racialised, further entrenches these divides, making true social justice an elusive goal.

Gender-based violence continues to plague the country, with women and LGBTQIA2S+ individuals disproportionately affected. Despite progressive laws and policies aimed at combating gender inequality and violence, the failure of the state to implement these protections effectively has left many vulnerable. Xenophobia also rears its head repeatedly, with foreign nationals scapegoated for socio-economic hardships, undermining the principles of Pan-Africanism and Ubuntu that should be guiding our democracy.

Moreover, the very institutions meant to uphold human rights often become perpetrators of systemic violence. Police brutality, reminiscent of apartheid-era repression, continues unabated, particularly in marginalised communities. Access to basic services such as quality education, healthcare, and housing remains unequal, revealing a persistent gap between constitutional ideals and lived experiences. Corruption within government structures further erodes public trust, diverting resources away from those who need them most.

In light of these ongoing struggles, deepening a culture of social justice and human rights is more than a moral imperative – it is a necessity for South Africa’s democratic survival. Symbolic recognition of human rights is not enough; there must be a concerted effort towards structural transformation. This requires not only policy reforms but active citizen engagement in dismantling systems of oppression. The Constitution must be more than a document, it must be a living, breathing force that informs legislation, governance, and social action.

Justice is not a passive ideal bestowed from above; it is a collective struggle that must be fought for and defended daily. True human rights are realised in solidarity with the most marginalised. This means standing against economic exclusion, advocating for gender justice, challenging xenophobia, and demanding accountability from those in power. Human Rights Day must serve as more than a moment of remembrance – it must be a call to action!

Organisations like Justice Desk Africa embody this commitment by working on the ground to educate, empower, and advocate for those whose rights are often disregarded. Their work highlights that real transformation begins with grassroots movements that challenge oppressive structures and foster communities grounded in dignity and equity.

As we reflect on the Sharpeville Massacre and the sacrifices made for our freedoms, we must ask ourselves: What are we doing to uphold the values that those who came before us fought for? Are we complacent in the face of injustice, or are we actively working towards a society where human rights are not a privilege, but a lived reality for all?

The path to a just and equal South Africa remains fraught with challenges, but it is a path we must walk together. Only through collective responsibility, sustained activism, and unwavering commitment to social justice can we ensure that the horrors of the past do not define our future. Let us honour the memory of Sharpeville not just in words, but in action – by building a society that truly upholds the dignity and rights of every individual.

 

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16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children – 25 November-10 December 2024

16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children – 25 November-10 December 2024

by | Dec 2, 2024 | Community and Engagement, Decolonising Psychology (DP), Mental Health Advocacy, Mental Health Calendar

16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children

Many hoped that the lifting of apartheid would herald a better future for the majority of women in South Africa, easing their struggles and opening pathways to equality. Unfortunately, this has not been the case. Many women remain excluded from the social, political and economic mainstream, grappling daily with the persistent threat of violence and abuse. The government, once a symbol of liberation, has often fallen short in addressing their oppression.

As South Africa embarks on its annual campaign against violence towards women and children, we must confront the shadows and vestiges of our nation’s history. This painful legacy has profoundly shaped gender dynamics in contemporary South Africa and continues to fuel the cycles of violence that plague our society.

South Africa continues to grapple with unacceptably high levels of violence, including domestic abuse, sexual assault, intimate partner aggression, femicide, workplace harassment, and digital abuse. These forms of violence are compounded by the pervasive injustices and exclusions inherent to systemic inequality. To address this, we must necessarily and actively challenge dominant colonial, gendered, and violent discourses while fostering counter-narratives that amplify the voices and actions of survivors and their communities, enabling resistance, agency, solidarity, and healing, while supporting multi-pronged anti-violence initiatives that include inter-sectoral collaboration, community-based involvement, and the privileging of knowledge systems and practices deemed meaningful and appropriate by communities themselves. It is through such comprehensive and inclusive efforts that we can hope to dismantle the violence that perpetuates harm and work towards sustainable, transformative change. It is equally vital for us in South Africa to forge partnerships and draw lessons from other critical and liberatory movements across the continent and globally in the fight against gender-based violence. Simultaneously, we call for genuine socio-economic liberation that disrupts the entrenched status quo, where women and children disproportionately bear the brunt of poverty, inequality, and multiple intersecting disparities.

During the 16 Days of Activism, we are reminded that countless institutions and organisations dedicated to supporting women and children in distress are shutting their doors due to dwindling funding. These organisations continue to serve communities tirelessly, often without government support, remaining passionate advocates for change while facing immense financial challenges. It is therefore imperative that we support and pay tribute to these organisations that strive to serve women and girls and support their liberation from violence, oppression, and exploitation.

One such organisation is The Cradle of Hope in the West of Krugersdorp. For 18 years, this independent social upliftment and community development organisation, with its core focus on assisting women and children, has been a sanctuary and support hub for destitute, vulnerable, and abused women – many of whom are survivors of domestic violence, sexual trauma, or human trafficking. The Cradle of Hope provides a safe refuge for up to 30 women and their children, who come from all corners of South Africa. Many arrive in the dead of night, often with little more than the clothes on their backs, bearing physical and emotional scars, fearful and traumatised, where they are met with compassion, support, safety and care. With 15 active programmes, The Cradle of Hope directly impacts the lives of more than 2 000 marginalised adults and children every day, offering essential assistance to those in desperate need. More than just a shelter, it is a space of compassion, love, kindness, and care, dedicated to rebuilding lives and fostering futures rooted in healing and agency.

To learn more about The Cradle of Hope and explore ways to support their vital work, please visit their website at www.thecradleofhope.org, call their offices at 076 262 0452, or email them at information@thecradleofhope.org.

BE THE DIFFERENCE!

– PsySSA Decolonising Psychology Division
Youth Day 2024

Youth Day 2024

by | Jun 15, 2024 | Community and Engagement, Decolonising Psychology (DP), Events and Announcements, Mental Health Calendar

Youth Day – 16 June 2024

“Our freedom is incomplete without the freedom of the Palestinians” – Nelson Mandela

Written by the Palestine Solidarity Alliance Youth League

 

Activism, when viewed through the lens of consciousness, becomes an enlightening endeavour that addresses the myriad sufferings observed worldwide. This recognition highlights the importance of conscientisation, ensuring that the work toward liberation continues. The struggle encompasses the suffering of the citizens of the entire world.

The parallel between apartheid South Africa and apartheid Israel is unmistakable. As Archbishop Desmond Tutu once said, “I have been to occupied Palestinian territory, and I have witnessed the racially segregated roads and housing that reminded me so much of the conditions we experienced in South Africa under the racist system of apartheid.” This theme underpins the broader concept of oppression and that all struggles are interconnected. Our collective liberation and solidarity are a means of complete freedom from all forms of oppression. As Nelson Mandela once said, “Our freedom is incomplete without the freedom of the Palestinians.”

June 16th, Youth Day, is a poignant reminder of the Soweto Uprising of 1976 where thousands of students of colour protested against the oppressive apartheid regime. Their bravery and determination in the face of brutal repression embody the spirit of activism. Without the bravery of these young activists, we, as South Africans, would never have tasted freedom.

Similarly, today’s youth across the globe are rising in solidarity against apartheid in Israel, with Palestinian youth such as Bisan Owda, Muna El Kurd, and Motaz Azaiza transforming activism as we know it. These young leaders resisted oppression with their phones, using social media platforms to inform the world about Israel’s crimes against humanity. Their efforts have sparked a global uprising, making “Free Palestine” a widespread topic of conversation. The bravery of these youth activists, who provide raw footage of events on the ground, has debunked Israeli propaganda. With authentic video evidence being shared widely, Palestine is finally winning the narrative war for the first time in 76 years.  

Today, student uprisings and encampments have spread across campuses worldwide in support of the people of Palestine. From Wits University to Harvard University, students are organising, protesting, and raising awareness about the plight of Palestinians. These movements echo the spirit of the Soweto Uprising, demonstrating the power of youth to effect change and the enduring importance of activism in the fight for justice. Activism rooted in consciousness demands an understanding of the suffering of those who lack a platform to advocate for themselves.

The similarities between struggles of today’s youth in Palestine and the youth of South Africa can be clearly seen. Youth unemployment is on the rise, resulting in extreme poverty both here in South Africa and in Gaza. Nearly 85% of Gaza’s population is displaced, and the illegal siege on Gaza has left thousands without proper sanitation or running water. Similarly, many South African citizens experience similar struggles. Period poverty is a real issue faced by both Palestinians and South Africans. Education has been halted in Gaza due to schools and universities being turned into rubble and the unimaginable number of students and educators murdered. Similarly, the education system in South Africa has failed us due to the lack of resources. These are just a few of the struggles faced by both Palestinians and South Africans. That’s why when we fight for justice we fight for the justice of all people.

In conclusion, the role of activism in our societies is crucial in order to achieve complete liberation for all. As we reflect on Youth Day and the sacrifices made by young South Africans in the fight against apartheid, we must renew our commitment to global solidarity. By standing together and supporting one another, we can create a world where freedom and justice prevail for everyone.

World Environment Day – 5 June

World Environment Day – 5 June

by | Jun 5, 2024 | Community and Engagement, Decolonising Psychology (DP), Events and Announcements

World Environment Day – 5 June 

If the Earth Could Speak: In Solidarity with the Environment

PsySSA Decolonising Psychology Division

 

On the 5th of June each year, since the early 1970s, the world celebrates World Environment Day. This year’s theme is Land restoration, desertification and drought resilience. But what does it mean for the world to observe this day, especially at such unprecedented times when we continue to bear witness to environmental destruction and the social suffering of individuals and communities in different parts of the world?

For many, World Environment Day serves as a flagship moment to reflect on humanity’s relationship with the environment and to raise awareness of various perilous environmental issues, such as land degradation, desertification, water insecurity, drought, global warming, pollution, overpopulation, and sustainable development. Given the global crises of recent times, such as the devastating wildfires in Australia, California and the Amazon, the unprecedented melting of polar ice caps, the severe droughts and water crises affecting regions like Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East, the widespread impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on global health and economies, the escalating climate- and war-induced migration and displacement, as well as the significant environmental destruction and loss of biodiversity in Gaza due to the current genocide, this year’s World Environment Day is also a pressing reminder for the world to reflect more critically on what it means to co-exist with the environment and to act to address the intersecting and escalating challenges related to environmental justice, social justice, human rights, and sustainable development.

On this day, all eyes should be on the ongoing suffering and widespread destruction of the environment, alongside human life, in places like Palestine, Congo, Sudan, as well as other regions worldwide that continue to experience severe environmental degradation as a result of human actions often directly related to colonisation, imperialism and capitalism. The reminder on this World Environment Day is then for us all, in our individual and collective endeavours for social liberation, to support the protection and sustainability of the environment.

The environment is a source of life for all that lives; being one with it is fundamental to our existence. As such, there is an imperative need for a comprehensive and holistic strategy that integrates environmental health with human well-being, acknowledging that human suffering and environmental degradation are deeply intertwined. By nurturing the environment and fostering a more compassionate, equitable and sustainable connection with our planet, not only do we honour World Environment Day but we also pave the way for a more liberated and harmonious world.

Moreover, this pivotal moment in our planetary epoch urges us to reassess our individual and collective impact on the environment and Earth, and to adopt more sustainable practices. This period, which is referred to as the Anthropocene, underscores human influence as a primary force shaping the planet’s future (see Oladejo et al., 2024). This era demands a critical shift in our behaviour, placing ecological well-being at the forefront. Thus, observing World Environment Day offers us a platform to collectively raise and unite our voices in calling for immediate and continuing transformative actions aimed at healing and safeguarding our environment and planet, ensuring its vitality for future generations.

Here are some proactive steps we can take to contribute to environmental protection. By incorporating these actions into our lives, we can collectively contribute to a healthier, more just, and more sustainable planet for current and future generations.

  • Engage in initiatives advocating for the sustainability of natural environments.
  • Support policies that safeguard vulnerable ecosystems and communities.
  • Raise awareness about the importance of environmental conservation.
  • Stand in solidarity with communities facing threats to their lands, habitats, and livelihoods, particularly those affected by environmental and social injustice.
  • Recycle waste materials such as plastic, paper, glass, and more.
  • Plant a tree that is indigenous to your environment.
  • Support renewable energy initiatives and transition to cleaner energy sources.
  • Reduce your carbon footprint by minimising energy consumption and adopting eco-friendly practices in daily life.
  • Practice sustainable agriculture and support local farmers who prioritise environmentally friendly farming methods.
  • Advocate for sustainable transportation options such as public transportation, biking, or carpooling.
  • Get involved in community clean-up efforts to help preserve natural habitats and reduce pollution.
  • Educate yourself and others about the importance of biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration.

 References

Oladejo, A. O., Malherbe, N., & van Niekerk, A. (2024). Climate justice, capitalism, and the political role of the psychological professions. Review of General Psychology, 28(1), 3–16.