In a landmark move bridging global advocacy and local action, New Jersey has officially declared September 21 as Global Caste Awareness Day, underscoring the growing recognition of caste-based discrimination as a critical human rights issue. This resolution, passed by the Jersey City Municipal Council, highlights the work of the Stakeholder Group of Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent (SG-CDWD), in addressing caste discrimination on both international and local stages.
The resolution, led by a youth leader Mr. Ishan Parmar with support from the Ambedkar International Mission (AIM) and the Association for Dalit Women’s Advancement of Nepal (ADWAN), marks a significant milestone for communities impacted by caste-based biases. It encourages Jersey City residents to actively engage in eradicating caste discrimination, honoring the resilience of Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent (CDWD) who continue to face exclusion and systemic marginalization.
The day’s observance aimed to amplify grassroots voices, particularly from youth and marginalized community members, providing a space to share experiences of caste-based discrimination and advocating for social inclusion. This event highlighted the crucial work of SG-CDWD, supported by GFoD, AIM, and ADWAN, who strive to bring attention to this global injustice and to unite diverse communities in pursuit of equality.
Beyond raising awareness, the event focused on policy advocacy, encouraging local leaders to consider measures that promote the rights of CDWD communities within their jurisdictions. Local officials and policymakers engaged in dialogues on how they can support systemic changes to dismantle caste-based exclusion and uplift marginalized voices within the city.
By aligning with the UN’s definition of caste as a rigid hierarchy causing socio-economic exclusion, the Council’s declaration emphasizes that caste discrimination affects not only South Asians but also transcends race, religion, and nationality, impacting communities across Asia, Africa, the
Middle East, and beyond. Jersey City’s commitment to this cause stands as part of a broader U.S. movement, making it one of the first cities to officially recognize caste discrimination.
This declaration reaffirms Jersey City’s dedication to inclusivity, signaling hope and unity in the global fight against caste-based inequality and setting an important precedent in the movement for caste justice.
