You may have heard of International Women’s Day, but not so many people are aware that there is a male equivalent.
Unsurprisingly, the day has continued to spark controversy year after year, with some claiming that “every day is men‘s day”.
But the annual event – which is on Tuesday – aims to provide a way of celebrating the male role models in our lives and to shine a light on the issues that face males day in and day out.
So where did it all start and why is it celebrated? Here’s what you you need to know about International Men’s Day (IMD).
When is International Men’s Day?
IMD falls on November 19 every year and for 2024 it is no different.
According to the International Men’s Day website, the month of November was chosen because it “is important for the masculine soul because it gathers several events that are important to men”, including Movember.
What is International Men’s Day?
International Men’s Day aims to improve gender relations and promote gender equality
The purpose of IMD, according to its organisers, is to “encourage men to teach the boys in their lives the values, character and responsibilities of being a man”.
It is a worldwide day that celebrates worldwide the positive value men bring to the world, their families and communities. It can highlight positive role models and raise awareness of men’s wellbeing.
The organisers added: “We promote a unified celebration of manhood and the positive contributions that men make to society.”
IMD was inaugurated in Trinidad and Tobago by Dr Jerome Teelucksingh in 1999 but calls for an International Men’s Day date as far back as 1960.
Back then, the New York Times reported: “Many men have been agitating privately to make February 23 International Men’s Day, the equivalent of March 8, which is International Women’s Day.”
Key points of focus for IMD include men’s health, improving gender relations, and promoting gender equality.
What is the theme for 2024?
The theme for this year is “Positive Male Role Models”.
Their website states: “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.” It is only when we all, both men and women, lead by example that we will create a fair and safe society that allows everyone the opportunity to prosper.”
IMD is now celebrated in countries such as Singapore, Australia, India, the UK, the US, South Africa, Haiti, Jamaica, Hungary, Malta, Ghana, Moldova and Canada.
IMD in its current format began in the UK in 2010, with a conference discussing the issues facing men and boys taking place in Brighton & Hove. Similar events are now taking place up and down the country.
Organisers say the commemorative day “is an opportunity for people everywhere of goodwill to appreciate and celebrate the men in their lives and the contribution they make to society for the greater good of all.”
And for 2024, people are encouraged to say thank you and recognise the male role models that they have in their lives.
Past events have included public seminars, conferences, festivals and fundraisers, classroom activities at schools, radio and television programs, Church observances, and peaceful displays and marches.
Isn’t every day International Men’s Day?
On International Women’s Day, IMD was one of the top trends on Twitter, with swarms of users asking why there wasn’t a male equivalent.
He said: “I thought this year it would be nice if we raised some money along the way, to turn stupid or negative comments by people who don’t understand how to google something that will be positive and helpful.”
Organisers say that IMD represents an important opportunity to discuss the unique struggles facing men.
The Samaritans state that 5,656 male suicides were registered in 2023, which is 372 more than in 2022.
The overall suicide rate was 11.2 per 100,000 for England and Wales, which is an increase on the previous year. The male suicide rate was 17.1 per 100,000, compared to a female suicide rate of 5.6 per 100,000. Males aged 45 to 49 were most likely to commit suicide, with around 25 per 100,000 males taking their lives.
IMD also aims to bring to light the challenges of men juggling work and family and staying in their children’s lives if they and their partners are separated.
