The Gender and Queer Studies section of the German Society for Social Work, in collaboration with various universities, including Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences, hosted the hybrid symposium "Speak up!". The aim of the event was to create spaces for discussion on the importance and use of gender-equitable, inclusive and discrimination-sensitive language in social work. Over 200 participants - including professionals, students, representatives of initiatives, teachers and researchers - developed joint positions and (professional) policy strategies.

The symposium was introduced by inspiring keynotes, starting with a contribution by Ioanna M. Menhard and Dr. Monique Ritter (HSZG, TRAWOS Institute), who elaborated on the background to the event and the political positioning of social work. This was followed by a number of workshops. In the final round, the participants formulated clear demands for politicians: the realities of marginalized groups must be taken seriously, and professionalism and democratic discourse must be strengthened.

The symposium made it clear that language is a central component of inclusion and justice and that social work will continue to stand up for its promotion in the future.