International Men’s Day is celebrated every year on November 19 worldwide. This is a day to recognize and celebrate the cultural, political and socio-economic achievements of men in our world.
This day focuses on men’s health, improving gender relations, highlighting male role models and promoting positive expressions of masculinity. It is an occasion to celebrate the lives, achievements and contributions of boys and men, especially for their contributions to the nation, union, society, community, family, marriage and childcare.
The broader and ultimate goal of the event is to promote grassroots awareness of men’s issues around the world, as they are mostly seen as being neglected.
| event | International Men’s Day |
|---|---|
| date | November 19, 2022 |
| day | Saturday |
| Importance | The day honors and celebrates men all over the world |
| Observed by | WORLDWIDE |
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History of International Men’s Day:
Since the beginning of human civilization there has only been a general perspective in our society of how a man should be and what his responsibilities are! Since from the beginning only boys were raised like this and no matter how modern our society has become, this mentality or social pressure still persists among the population and although there is nothing wrong with it as having a sense of responsibility for things is always a good thing, but it should never become a burden, and for this alone, suicide rates are seen to be much more prevalent among men than women, which may cause my many problems that men face. So this day was created to show the world the problems and issues of men, which have been mostly ignored in the past.
Calls for an International Men’s Day have been noted since at least the 1960s, when many men were reported to have “privately agitated to make 23 February International Men’s Day, equivalent to 8 March, which is International Women’s Day”. Later, many political thinkers and men’s rights activists started looking for a day dedicated to men and felt that not celebrating it is discrimination against men. Questions about the inequality of observing Women’s Day without a corresponding Men’s Day appeared in media publications from the 1960s to the 1990s, when the first attempts to inaugurate International Men’s Day are recorded.
Inaugurated on February 7, 1992 by Thomas Oaster, the International Men’s Day project was conceived a year earlier on February 8, 1991. The project was restarted in 1999 in Trinidad and Tobago. The longest celebration of International Men’s Day is Malta, where events have taken place since 7 February 1994. Now that Malta was the only country to observe the February date of celebrating Men and their contribution to society, the Maltese AMR Committee voted to 2009 to move the date for IMD to 19 November.
Jerome Teelucksingh, who revived the event, chose November 19 to honor his father’s birthday and also to celebrate how on that date in 1989 the Trinidad and Tobago football team had united the country in their bid to qualify for the The World Cup. Teelucksingh has promoted International Men’s Day not only as a gender day, but a day where all issues affecting men and boys can be addressed. He said of the IMD and its grassroots activists: “They are striving for gender equality and patiently trying to remove the negative images and stigma associated with men in our society.”
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Significance of International Men’s Day:
The common line that “every day is International Men’s Day” may have some truth to it, but the fact is that not all men are celebrated to the same extent. International Men’s Day reminds us that there are many different types of men in the world and they all deserve a voice. Men face a lot of pressure in society, which are often ignored, for example, they are expected to be providers and refrain from asking for help or sharing their feelings. International Men’s Day is about addressing these issues and redefining masculinity in our world for the better and happier future of our world’s male population.
Some people ask why is it important to celebrate International Men’s Day? The answer to this simple question is that we live in a world where every individual has the right to handle their own issues. International Men’s Day is a reminder of the various health issues that men face every day and focuses specifically on the rising suicide rate among men. The day encourages men to open up and talk about their mental health with others, where it’s very rare for men to come out and talk about it. This day is marked to remind those men not to hesitate and act before it is too late. A man should never be scrutinized for his masculinity and this is very evident in these times. Young boys need to be guided by adults not to shy away from what they feel and what they want in life. International Men’s Day is a step towards making all this happen.
According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), suicide is the biggest killer of men under the age of forty-five. This is the case in many countries around the world, including the US and all other countries. Statistically, it seems that more women are diagnosed with depression more often than men, but men are more likely to commit suicide. There are many reasons for this, with gender, cultural conditioning and inadequate role models being contributing factors. As many women as men may consider ending their lives, but men are more likely to do so, and often in violent ways. This says something about the psychology, attitudes and mental well-being of men in our communities.
From a young age, boys are raised in a different way than girls, boys will be boys, they are told, and boys don’t cry. With variation, it is a sensibility found in many cultures around the globe. As they grow up, men are encouraged to present a strong, unaffected image, which often masks a deep need to emotionally communicate what is happening to them. It’s not to say that women have an easier time than men when it comes to mental health issues, but the data shows that our cultural perspectives and gender expectations can significantly contribute to the increased suicide rate among men.
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International Men’s Day Celebrations:
Methods of commemorating International Men’s Day have included gift giving and receiving, public seminars, forums, conferences, classroom activities in schools, men’s health events, fundraising events, radio and television programs, parliamentary speeches, government holidays, church holidays, prayer meetings, peaceful rallies and marches, award ceremonies, special retail promotions, music concerts and art shows.
International Men’s Day is celebrated differently in many countries. For example, in the UK, International Men’s Day addresses the issue of male suicide and holds lengthy discussions among the audience. It is believed that men are 3 times more likely to commit suicide as they are emotionally weaker than women, so this issue is widely addressed on this day.
There are also many exhibitions where people share posters related to men’s health and much more. This day is very important to remove gender stereotypes from society. Many men also use this opportunity to rest and relax for a moment! They also like to go to mental health sessions, especially those suffering from depression, anxiety, etc. Very often on social media there is a big buzz about this day as an awareness campaign.
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Theme of International Men’s Day:
There is also an annual theme which is chosen for the day. Many countries also organize their own sub-theme for this day. However, the overall theme for International Men’s Day 2022 is “Men who lead by example”.
This theme highlights the positive role men play in our world in moving our communities forward. This day also encourages men to always lead a life with a positive attitude by always taking care of their mental health and not letting anxiety develop in their lives.
International Men’s Day encourages men to teach the boys in their lives the values, character and responsibilities of being a man. Mahatma Gandhi said, “We must become the change we seek.” Only when we all, men and women, lead by example will we create a just and safe society that gives everyone the opportunity to prosper. Another theme for 2022 is “Helping Men and Boys”.
The most frequently asked questions on International Men’s Day:
1. When is International Men’s Day celebrated?
International Men’s Day is celebrated every year on November 19.
2. What does International Men’s Day mean?
The purpose of International Men’s Day is to raise awareness of men’s mental and physical health, promote positive masculinity and support ethical male role models.
3. What is the theme of International Men’s Day 2022?
The theme of International Men’s Day 2022 is “Men who lead by example”.
