Social workers deserve better recognition and support from society, said a CPPCC National Committee member during the 2020 two sessions.

Social workers have made plenty of contributions during the epidemic and played an important part in the fight against COVID-19, said Wang Su, associate professor at Shanghai Theatre Academy and member of the 13th CPPCC (Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference) National Committee.

(Photo/Xinhua News)

“This year’s two sessions are being held in a special context [of the COVID-19 pandemic]. I hope to learn more about our country’s major strategic plans,” said Wang, who had drafted several proposals very carefully before attending the meeting in Beijing.

Wang said she understands the efforts of social workers, especially what they have done during the epidemic.

As people dealing with social affairs, social workers in China serve and care for the people. They are an indispensable force in grassroots governance. In Wang’s opinion, the profession still lacks planning and design for its development and promotion, and that is why some social workers are not confident enough in their career development. The COVID-19 outbreak has allowed more people to realize the importance of social workers. But their work scope and responsibility are still lesser known to some citizens.

As such, Wang believes social workers’ jobs should be specified and that the rank of social workers should be more professional and standardized.