International Men's Day
Observed annually on 19 November, International Mens Day aims to promote and protect the health and well-being of men. It is also dedicated to gender equality and highlighting positive male role models. While focusing on male health and well-being, it is important to note that this event is not a direct competition with International Women’s Day. In fact, it is an excellent opportunity for men to show their support for women.
How to Celebrate International Men's Day
Thomas Oaster, director of the Missouri Center for Men’s Studies, was the first person to start celebrating International Mens Day in 1992. He asked organizations around the world to organize events to celebrate the day. The initiative spread quickly and was celebrated independently in countries as diverse as Singapore, India, the United Kingdom, the United States, and even Jamaica. Today, many countries across the world celebrate International Mens Day. Here are some of the many ways that you can participate!
One of the most important aspects of this day is the fact that it celebrates diversity and promotes gender equality. Gender fluidity is a significant issue today, and IMD celebrates this. By celebrating diversity, IMD also encourages alternative masculinities. While men are typically perceived to be homogeneous and masculine, their gender identities are often shaped by their environments. By celebrating diversity, men can celebrate their own unique identities and express their differences in a positive way.
It is important to remember that International Mens Day is not meant to compete with International Women’s Day. Its main goal is to empower men to live lives of principles and character. And while it may not be possible to do everything a woman wants them to do, men need to learn to communicate more effectively with women and understand their needs. By promoting gender equality, you’ll be on the path to improving relationships between men and women.
Celebrate your differences by being a positive role model for boys. Guide your teenage sons to become the best version of themselves by interacting with them. If you don’t have children, consider volunteering for a non-profit organization that helps troubled youth. Big Brothers Big Sisters of America is one such organization. Similarly, honor and thank your male role models for their positive impact on their lives. And don’t forget to take action and spread the message.
Another way to celebrate International Men’s Day is by raising awareness of mental health issues and toxic masculinity. Some of the most prevalent issues include male suicide, which is three times higher than the rate for women. The emotional support charity Samaritans is dedicated to tracking this statistic. Another way to celebrate International Men’s Day is by taking part in events and projects around the world that promote mental health and gender equality. One such initiative is Movember, which involves men growing facial hair.
Since the first International Men’s Day, the day has become a global event to raise awareness of issues affecting men. The first attempts at establishing International Men’s Day failed due to lack of publicity, so Teelucksingh’s idea was born. Today, the day is celebrated in more than 130 countries. It has reached international recognition and has become a popular cause in many fields. So what is International Men’s Day?
International Men’s Day is celebrated annually on November 19th. It aims to promote men’s health and wellbeing by raising awareness of social problems that affect men. The day also aims to end gender-based discrimination and stereotyping. In this way, we can create a world where men are treated equally and respected in all aspects. We need to work together to help every man reach his full potential. We all have a part to play in creating a better and safer place for others.
The Yearly Theme for International Men's Day:
Through the years, IMD has adopted various themes and developed these. For instance, it was “peace” at the time of 2002 “men’s well-being” for 2003 “healing as well as forgiveness” in 2007, etc. Some of the major themes that have emerged in the past decade are listed below:
2011:
“Giving Boys The Best Start in Life”. This year, participants were asked to concentrate on five major issues that boys from all over the world confront, such as health education, family life and violence, and the choices they make in life.
2012:
“Helping men and boys live longer, happier and healthier lives”. This theme of 2012 focused on statistics and facts provided by the World Health Organization that showcased that each year, more than half a million people die due to violence and that 83 per cent of them are men and boys. The theme also highlighted that a similar percentage of the burden of illness (ill-health disabilities, premature death) caused by violence is carried by men and boys, and the best way to address these issues.
2013:
“Keeping both men and Boys secure”. Yes, men and boys are portrayed as the guardians of the family. However, they also require security at times.
2014:
“Working Together for Men as well as Boys”. To promote greater cooperation when discussing various issues that impact men and boys, including in the short lifespan, the high suicide rates, etc.
2015:
“Working to expand reproductive options For Men”. Topics like family planning and men’s limited choices for reproductive health and sexual health, and safe sexual practices, were discussed in detail. However, one of the most central questions posed was how do we improve the freedom of men to decide to have children via technological, legal, cultural and educational methods?
2016:
“Stop Male Suicide”. In every country around the world, except China, suicide among males is greater than the rate of suicide among women. Therefore, the topic is changed, and ideas are conceived to address the challenges faced by men.
2017:
“Celebrating men and boys in Their Diverseness”. The topic was announced by the Global Regional Coordinators and Global Coordinators. The focus was “a calling to action” for all individuals, institutions and organisations to change the way they develop and provide services and resources that are tailored to the specific requirements and needs of males and boys.
2018:
“Positive Male Role Models”. The theme for this year is interesting since it is focused on providing men and boys with certain role models to look to and follow.
2019:
“Making a Difference For Men and Boys”
2020:
“Better Health For Men and Boys”
2021:
“Better Relationship Between Men and Women”
2022:
“Importance of gender Equality”
