International Day of Families
Ranjan K Baruah
(The writer can be reached at
Ranjan K Baruah bkranjan@gmail.com)
The beginning of our learning and understanding starts from our home and our family. We know the importance of a family in someone's life. Family is the first learning point for every individual on earth. Though many people miss out on family life, most get to learn from family.
Family life may be challenging when parents are working and members are engaged in different activities but if a child has to progress then a strong family is always important. Now we can see maternity leave in most of the countries was offered in 89% of countries in 1995 and was available in 96% of countries by 2015. We should know that only 57% of women, who are married, or in a domestic union, can make decisions about sexual relations and the use of contraceptives and reproductive health services.
The challenge ahead is family homelessness is on the rise. In some European countries, it has been consistently above 20% of the total homeless population. The sizes of the families are becoming smaller around the world. Currently, 65% of all families are made up of either couple living with children of any age, or couples living with both children and extended family members, such as grandparents. The diminishing number of extended families and the increasing number of single-parent families put into sharp focus the issue of social protection.
During the 1980s, the United Nations began focusing attention on issues related to the family. In 1983, based on the recommendations of the Economic and Social Council, the Commission for Social Development in its resolution on the Role of the family in the development process (1983/23) requested the Secretary-General to enhance awareness among decision-makers and the public of the problems and needs of the family, as well as of effective ways of meeting those needs.
In its resolution 1985/29 of 29 May 1985, the Council invited the General Assembly to consider the possibility of including in the provisional agenda of its forty-first session an item entitled "Families in the development process", to consider a request to the Secretary-General to initiate a process of development of global awareness of the issues involved, directed towards Governments, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations and public opinion.
Later, based on the recommendations of the Commission for Social Development, formulated in its 30th round of sessions, the Assembly invited all States to make their views known concerning the possible proclamation of an international year of the family and to offer their comments and proposals. In 1993, the General Assembly decided in a resolution (A/RES/47/237) that 15 May of every year should be observed as the International Day of Families.
Following up on the theme of the 59th session of the Commission for Social Development: "Socially just transition towards sustainable development: the role of digital technologies on social development and well-being of all" the 2021 observance of the International Day of Families focuses on the impacts of new technologies on the well-being of families. This year the focus is on new technologies.
Past Themes:
* 2020: "Families in Development: Copenhagen & Beijing+25"
* 2019: "Families and Climate Action: Focus on SDG13"
* 2018: "Families and inclusive societies"
* 2017: "Families, education and well-being"
* 2016: "Families, healthy lives and sustainable future"
* 2015: "Men in charge? Gender equality and children's rights in contemporary families"
This year's theme is focused on new technologies and the recent pandemic has taught us the importance of technologies even at home or within families. Online class and work from home mean there is always the importance of new technologies in families. It's not only young people but even senior members of the families are also getting access to new technologies. Wise and positive use of new technologies should positively transform the families but we have to make sure that technologies are not misused.
Family policies are a mainstay of national public policies and the most meaningful vehicle for governments to influence the living standards of upcoming generations. As part of achieving the global ambitions of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), family policies play an important part in meeting targets across many of the goals. All countries must focus on the development of families as it will help in transforming society in a better way. Social protection of every family is important which can be ensured by the government as well as non-government organizations and civil society organizations. Let us ensure that one of the strongest institutions of our society which is family always remains strong and powerful for a sustainable future.
(With direct inputs from UN publication and feedback may be sent to bkranjan@gmail.com)