International Men’s Day (IMD) is a global awareness day for many issues that men face, including parental alienation, abuse, homelessness, suicide, and violence, celebrated annually on November 19. It was first celebrated in 1992 and was originally started by Thomas Oaster and In 1999, Jerome Teelucksingh carried on the legacy and celebrated it in Trinidad and Tobago and it gained global recognition 2007 but to this day it is known to have started in 1999 by Jerome. .It is an occasion to celebrate boys’ and men’s lives, achievements and contributions, in particular for their contributions to nation, union, society, community, family, marriage, and childcare.
The objectives of celebrating an International Men’s Day are set out in ‘All the Six Pillars of International Men’s Day. This day aims to strengthen gender equality, raise awareness on mens mental health ,Male violence and issues like toxic masculinity and other challenges men face in their professional and personal lives.
MAIN OBJECTIVES.
It aims to promote positive Male role models.
Highlight the importance of mens health, including mental health and physical wellbeing.
Addressing gender based discrimination and promote gender equality.
Celebrate mens achievement to the society and encourage positive attitudes towards men.
Every year, there is a theme for international mens day and this years theme is “Positive Male Role Models,” it emphasises the value of encouraging candid discussions about men’s mental health and developing safe spaces where men can flourish and feel safe.
IMPORTANCE.
It is marked by events and conferences, social media campaigns using the hashtag (#internaltionalmensday), charity fundraisers ,community service projects and awards for outstanding Male role models.
It is to promote mens mental health and wellbeing, help Male victims of domestic violence and abuse,help acknowledge mens role in gender equality and feminism and appreciate the positive contributions of men to the society.
CRITICISMS
International women’s day is celebrated in March 8 and though international men’s day is celebrated to complement it, critics say it aims to compete with it.
Some also argue that it is a distraction to women’s right and feminism , stating that it reinforces patriarchal norms and also lacks clear objectives and impact.
International men’s day is a day, globally recognized to celebrate men and let them know how much the world appreciates them and their positive contributions . It aims to let them be aware of how important they are to the society and the need for them to be healthy .The day does not aim to compete with international women’s day or distract women’s rights and feminism but rather foster a balanced discussion on gender based issue for everyone’s benefit.
