Lessons from COVID-19 on Mutual-aid and Global Community: An Anti-oppressive Canadian-Pakistani Partnership

Authors: Aamir Jamal, PhD; Liza Lorenzetti, PhD, MSW, RSW; Holly Williams, MSW Student; Sarah Thomas, BSW

The COVID-19 pandemic has amplified the socio-economic stresses and inequities of marginalized communities across the globe, from mental health and violence to employment and food security. The assistance of social workers from local to global contexts is required now more than ever. In Pakistan, communities in conflict-affected remote areas bordering Afghanistan received a hard hit during the lockdown. Women, children, and transgender communities have been especially impacted. The Canadian Association for Children’s Education in Pakistan (CECEP) collaborated with Alberta Assembly of Social Workers, the Alberta Men’s Network, and Haashar Association to create a global community of practice to support the most marginalized population in Northwest Pakistan and Nepal. Working from an anti-oppressive framework, we connected with local social workers, faith-based organizations, and neighborhood groups to develop a network of mutual aid, raise funds, deliver food hampers, conduct advocacy campaigns for the most marginalized and increase COVID-19 awareness. Through grassroots solidarity work and networks of mutual aid, urgent socioeconomic support was provided, culturally appropriate tools of knowledge dissemination were developed, and our network for future equity work was strengthened. This paper explores the development of international mutual aid networks, including challenges and strategies for timely, innovative, and community- led social action in times of crisis. Key learnings for post-pandemic community organizing and social work solidarity actions are highlighted.