Overview
International Men’s Day (IMD) is observed every year on 19 November.
The day focuses on recognising the contributions, roles, and challenges of men and boys in families, workplaces, and communities.
It highlights key issues, including mental health, physical well-being, gender expectations, and social pressures men face globally.
Theme of 2025: “Celebrating Men and Boys”
The 2025 global theme, “Celebrating Men and Boys,” centres on acknowledging the positive impact of men and boys in daily life.
Emphasises their roles in:
Family life and caregiving
Professional spaces and leadership
Community development and support
Encourages appreciation for the emotional, social, and cultural contributions of men and boys.
History of international Men’s Day
The concept emerged in the early 1990s, when Thomas Oaster, an American academic, organised initial observances in the US, Australia, and Malta.
These early events paused, but the idea was revived in 1999 by Jerome Teelucksingh from Trinidad and Tobago.
Why 19 November?
To honour Teelucksingh’s father’s birthday.
To commemorate a day of national unity in 1989, when the country supported its men’s football team.
Malta, one of the earliest supporters, shifted its celebration from february to 19 november in 2009, aligning with the global observance.
Although not officially recognised by the United Nations, IMD has grown into a widely observed grassroots global movement.
Historically, discussions about a male equivalent to international Women’s Day existed since the 1960s, particularly in the Soviet Union, where 23 February was informally seen as a men’s day.
Significance and Objectives
IMD’s purpose is captured in its six core pillars:
Promote positive male role models.
Celebrate men’s contributions.
Improve men’s health and well-being.
Address gender-based discrimination
Strengthen gender relations
Create a safer, balanced world.
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