WOMEN’S UNIVERSITY IN AFRICA

Addressing Gender Disparity and Fostering Equity in University Education

ASSIGNMENT COVER PAGE
BSc. DIPLOMA IN SOCIAL WORK
NAME OF STUDENT:
………………………………………………………………………………………TATENDA
NICOLE MBASERA
STUDENT NUMBER: ………………………………………………………………….W192215
COURSE AND COURSE CODE:
……………………………………………………………………………………… SOCIAL
WORK WITH COMMUNITIES 1 KDSW212
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ASSIGNMENT QUESTION:
……………………………………………………………………………………..WITH AID OF
RELEVANT EXAMPLES EXAMINE THE RELEVANCE OF SOCIAL WORK IN SOLVING
COMMUNITY CHALLENGES.
DUE DATE: ……………………………………………….07 APRIL 2024
NAME OF LECTURER:
……………………………………………………………………………………..MR A
NDLOVU
MARK: ………………………………………………………
COMMENT:
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
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LECTURER’S SIGNATURE: ……………………………………….
Community social workers help to build an inclusive environment that makes residents feel
integrated and empowered. They know that people can work together to improve circumstances,
using their experience and knowledge solve problems and make change. There is a wide scope of
opportunity for social workers in community development. Some work directly with individuals,
couples and groups. Some social workers take on more administrative roles to advance the social
work profession or support an issue or social movement at the structural level. In these roles they
may analyze policy, develop programs and ensure the programs are implemented according the
vision (Graaff 2010). They may research the root causes of social issues and help develop
programs and advocate for policy changes to better serve the community. Social work plays a
crucial role in promoting well-being, advocating for justice, and fostering positive change within
communities, these being root cause analysis and research, program development and advocacy,
policy change and reform, community empowerment and participation, addressing inequalities
and disparities, building social capital and networks and holistic approaches to well-being.

Root cause analysis and research is a valuable process used to identify the primary source of a
problem. In the context of social work, it helps us understand why there is a difference between
the desired state (vision) and the current situation regarding health or social issues. Community
workers use the root cause analysis and research as a way to delve in to the underlying causes of
community issues. They conduct research to understand the complexities of challenges such as
poverty, homelessness, substance abuse, and mental health. For examples a social worker
investigates the reasons behind rising youth unemployment rates in a neighborhood and
identifies systematic barriers to employment (DeFilipis, J 2012).

Program development and advocacy are two aspects that play a critical role in addressing
community challenges and promoting positive change. Program development involves creating,
implementing and evaluating initiatives to address specific social community needs. Advocacy
involves actively supporting and promoting the rights, well-being, and dignity of individuals and
communities. It encompasses both micro-level (individual) and macro-level (systemic) efforts.
Program development and advocacy is armed with research insights, social workers collaborate
with community members organizations and policymakers to design effective programs. For
examples, a social worker helps create a job training program that provides skills development
and connects unemployed individuals with local employers.

Social policy refers to laws, regulations, and formal procedures that address social issues and
allocate resources for the well-being of individuals and communities. Social policy extends
beyond programs for the disadvantaged. It encompasses every facet of public and private social
services. According to Homan M (2011), enriching human condition it creates mechanisms to
enhance the human condition by promoting equity, justice, and social welfare. Community
workers work to improve laws and regulations that impact vulnerable populations for example
social workers lobby for affordable housing policies to address homelessness and housing
insecurity.

Community empowerment and participation are essential concepts that play a crucial role in
fostering positive change within communities. Community empowerment goes beyond mere
involvement or engagement. It encompasses community ownership and action with the explicit
aim of achieving social and political change. Community participation refers to the active
involvement of community members in projects or initiatives that address their issues. Social
workers engage community members in decision making processes. They empower individuals
to actively participate in shaping their own futures. An example being a social worker facilitates
community meetings where residents discuss neighborhood safety concerns and collaboratively
develop safety initiatives.

Addressing inequalities and disparities is a critical endeavor for creating a more just and
reasonable society. Inequalities refer to differences in access, opportunities, and outcomes among
individuals or groups based on factors such as income, education, gender, race, and geography.
Disparities refer to differences in outcomes or treatment that are unjust and often stem from
systemic biases. Social workers strive to reduce disparities related to race, gender, socio
economic status and other factors. They advocate for equal access to resources and opportunities,
for example social workers support LGBTQ+ youth by creating safe spaces and advocating for
inclusive policies in schools.
Building social capital and networks is a vital process that contributes to community well-being
and individual growth. Social capital refers to the networks, relationships, and trust that exist
within a community or society. It encompasses both bonding (within similar groups) and
bridging (across diverse groups) social ties. Bonding social capital is a strong connection among
people who share common characteristics for example family, close friends and neighbors.
Bridging social capital is a connection that span different social groups, fostering diversity and
collaboration. Networks are interconnected relationships among individuals, organizations, or
communities. Social workers strengthen community bonds by connecting people, organizations
and resources. They foster social networks that enhance resilience for example a social worker
organizes a neighborhood event where residents meet, share experiences and build supportive
relationships (Netting E 2007).

Holistic well-being encompasses the interconnected aspects of our lives, recognizing that we are
more than just our physical bodies. Holistic well-being considers four essential components
namely physical well-being, mental well-being, social well-being and spiritual well-being.
Physical well-being meaning our body as a vessel and maintaining stability, flexibility and
preventing diseases. Mental well-being is about mindfulness of thoughts and emotions,
influencing interactions with ourselves and others. Social well-being is a crucial role social
support of connections, interactions and bonds with others. Lastly spiritual well-being is
nurturing our inner self purpose and connection to something greater. It’s also an integrated
approach that acknowledges how these aspects influence each other. According to Fauri D
(2010) social work emphasizes holistic well-being, considering physical, mental, emotional and
social aspects. It addresses not only immediate needs but also long-term growth. For example a
social worker collaborates with schools, healthcare providers, and community centers to create a
comprehensive support system for at-risk youth.

In a nutshell social work is a powerful force for positive change. By understanding community
dynamics, advocating for justice, and empowering individuals, social workers contribute
significantly to solving community challenges.
References
DeFilipis, J., and S. Saegert, (2012). The community development reader. New York: Routledge.
Fauri, D., S. Wernet, and F. Netting. (2008). Cases in macro social work practice. 3d ed. Boston:
Allyn & Bacon.
Graaff, J . (2010). Introduction to sociology; poverty and development. Cape Town. Oxford
University Press Southern Africa.
Homan, M. (2011). Promoting community change: Making it happen in the real world. 5th ed.
Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole Education.
Netting, E., P. Kettner, and S. McMurty. (2007). Social work macro practice. 4th Ed. New York:
Allyn & Bacon.