Team Goemkarponn
Mumbai, : Five students from the Social Work Programme at the D.D. Kosambi School of Social Sciences, Goa University—Bhupali Gaonkar, Divya Kerkar, Pratiksha Bhandari, Sharvari Bhave, and Poonam Dinesh Malik—captivated the audience at the National Students-Led Conference 2024, held at Nirmala Niketan, Mumbai. Their presentation on “Ethical Challenges in Social Work with Marginalized Groups” sparked important discussions on the complexities social workers face when working with vulnerable populations.
The conference, organized by the Nirmala Niketan Colleg of Social Work,and sponsored by RUSA, Maharashtra, was themed “Equity and Social Justice: Exploring Strategies for Inclusive Social Work Practice”. The event provided a national platform for students and professionals to exchange ideas on promoting equity and inclusion in social work.
Drawing on their research and fieldwork with organizations such as Lokvishwas Prathisthan, Margaret Bosco Bal Sadan, and Human Touch Foundation, the Goa University students addressed key ethical dilemmas in working with marginalized groups like children with disabilities, LGBTQ+ youth, nomadic tribes, and children living with HIV. Their presentation emphasized the need for enhanced ethical guidelines and tailored training for social workers to better navigate challenges such as confidentiality, cultural competence, and ensuring equitable access to care.
The event featured notable keynote speakers, including Prof. Helen Joseph, and plenary discussions led by experts such as Ms. Priti Patkar, Dr. M.T. Joseph, and Adv. Flavia Agnes. The students’ well-researched presentation was met with praise for its depth and relevance, reinforcing their commitment to advancing ethical social work practices.
