International Men's Day

International Men's Day celebrates the contributions that men make to improve the quality of life in society. Illustration based on artwork from ©iStockphoto.com/Robert Churchill,Nancy Louie & Ana Abejon

What do people do?

International Men’s Day is a time for many people to reflect on the contributions, sacrifices and progress made by men in society. Such progress includes that of men working together with women to make educational, economic, social, and technological advances in society. Topics that may be discussed or showcased through various media, activities and events on the day may include:

• Men’s and boys’ health.
• The importance of gender equality.
• Improvements towards gender relations in all societies.
• Positive male role models for younger generations.
• Men’s roles in community, family, relationships and childcare.
• Healing and forgiveness.

Meetings, workshops or group gatherings may also be held on this day to focus on overcoming challenges such as domestic violence and drug abuse.  International Men’s Day is supported by various organizations worldwide, including Dads4Kids and the United Nations (UN).  However, it has met criticism and opposition, including among those who believe that the day could be misinterpreted as anti-feminist.

Public life

International Men’s Day is not a public holiday but traffic and parking conditions may change if there are larger scale activities that take place, such as street marches or rallies.

Background

International Men’s Day focuses on improving gender relations, promoting gender equality, producing responsible males and highlighting positive male role models.  It also looks at addressing issues such as parenting, positive male role models, families and healthy life choices for men.

The inaugural International Men’s Day was held in Trinidad and Tobago on November 19 in 1999. Representatives from organizations such as the UN expressed support for the event, although it is not an official UN observance. A petition has called for the UN to make International Men’s Day an official UN observance in the interest of equality. International Women’s Day is also celebrated on March 8 each year.

Symbols

The faces of positive male role models of all backgrounds, ages, and nations are seen in various promotions, such as posters, postcards and information booklets, on International Men’s Day.  Red roses have also been given to men to mark international Men's Day. Various messages and slogans that promote the day are also publicized during this time of the year.

International Men's Day Observances

Related holiday

• International Women's Day–Monday, March 8, 2010

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