Established in 2019, World Whistleblower Day is a day that shines a light on the importance of whistleblowers and the work they do in revealing fraud and corruption. Celebrated on June 23rd in many countries around the world, this day is used to raise awareness of what it means to be a whistleblower and the effects whistleblowers have in ensuring that people and companies follow the law. The act of blowing the whistle on illegal activities is extremely important not only at a local level but on an international level in organizations like the European Union and the United Nations.
Many pro-whistleblower groups around the world are dedicating their time and effort to educating people about the significance of whistleblowing. In some countries, whistleblowers are seen in a negative manner, and some have even restricted their citizens’ ability to become whistleblowers. Thankfully, many people’s perceptions of this concept have started to change recently. One of the most notable changes came after the rise of the “#MeToo” movement, where people who blew the whistle on sexual misconduct were given a voice and it led to real change in the workplace. Of course, blowing the whistle on wrongdoing can encompass many areas, including the healthcare industry, financial industry, government contracts, and more.
Whistleblowers are more protected now than ever. Many countries, including the United States, have laws that protect whistleblowers from retaliation, which is one of the main concerns people have when they want to come forward with information. Additionally, most whistleblower programs offer awards for providing evidence of illegal activities that lead to a successful lawsuit against the perpetrators. Thanks to celebrations like World Whistleblower Day, more people can understand what it means to be a whistleblower and can find the courage to stand up against fraud and misconduct.