International Men Day finds support from a variety of individuals and groups in Oceania, the Caribbean, North America, Asia, Europe and Africa.
The objectives of celebrating an International Men’s Day include focusing on men’s and boys’ health, improving gender relations, promoting gender equality, and highlighting male role models. It is an occasion to highlight discrimination against men and boys and to celebrate their achievements and contributions, in particular for their contributions to community, family, marriage, and child care. The broader and ultimate aim of the event is to promote basic humanitarian values.
International Men’s Day is celebrated in over 70 countries
theme for International Men’s Day was “Stop Male Suicide.” In every country except China, the rate of suicide in men is higher than that of women, an some cases as high as six men for every one woman, and life expectancy is routinely less for men than women in all countries. To this end, “Global Action on Men’s Health.”
According to its creators, International Men’s Day is a time to promote positive aspects of male identity based on the premise that ‘males of all ages respond more energetically to positive role models than they do to negative gender stereotyping’.During past years the method of commemorating International Men’s Day included public seminars, classroom activities at schools, radio and television programs, peaceful displays and marches, debates, panel discussions, award ceremonies, and art displays. The manner of observing this annual day is optional, and any appropriate forums can be used. Early pioneers of IMD reminded that the day is not intended to compete against International Women’s Day, but is for the purpose of highlighting men’s experiences. In 2009 the following broad objectives were ratified as a basis for all International Men’s Day observations, and are applied equally to men and boys irrespective of their age, ability, social background, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious belief and relationship status:
- To promote positive male role models; not just movie stars and sportsmen but everyday, working class men who are living decent, honest lives.
- To celebrate men’s positive contributions to society, community, family, marriage, child care, and to the environment.
- To focus on men’s health and wellbeing; social, emotional, physical and spiritual.
- To highlight discrimination against men; in areas of social services, social attitudes and expectations, and law.
- To improve gender relations and promote gender equality.
- To create a safer, better world; where people can live free from harm and grow to reach their full potential.
According to Men’s Activism News Network, International Men’s Day also interfaces with “Movember” – a worldwide moustache growing charity event held during November each year that raises funds and awareness for men’s health, one of the key themes promoted on IMD. It also interfaces with Universal Children’s Day on 20 November and forms a 48-hour celebration firstly of men, then children respectively, with a recognition of the bonds between them.