International Mens Day

International Mens Day History

International Men's Day (IMD) is an annual observance that seeks to raise awareness of the issues that affect the lives of men and boys. This global event aims to promote gender equality, encourage positive male role models, and highlight the importance of men's wellbeing and mental health. Celebrated in over 80 countries, IMD provides a platform for fostering dialogue and understanding between men and women, as well as highlighting the need for male involvement in breaking down gender stereotypes and promoting social progress.

The celebration of International Men's Day can be traced back to 1999 when it was inaugurated in Trinidad and Tobago by Dr. Jerome Teelucksingh. The United Kingdom began observing IMD in 2008, focusing on the key themes of male health, improving gender relations, and acknowledging the positive contributions men make to society. In recent years, UK organisations have increasingly focused on IMD as an opportunity to address issues such as the high male suicide rate, workplace challenges, fatherhood, and men's roles in addressing domestic violence.

In the United Kingdom, International Men's Day is commemorated through various activities and events organised by charities, educational institutions, and other organisations. These observances may include panel discussions, workshops, awareness campaigns, and fundraising activities that shed light on the challenges faced by men and boys. Depending on the prevailing issues in UK society, the focus of these events may change from year to year, always aiming to advance the wellbeing and equality of both sexes. International Men's Day falls on November 19th, providing a bookend to the conversations prompted by International Women's Day on March 8th.

International Mens Day facts

• The theme for International Men's Day in 2023 was Zero Male Suicide.
• Men are three times more likely to die from suicide than women.
• International Men's Day structures its objectives as 6 pillars:
  1) To promote positive male role models
  2) To celebrate men's positive contributions to society
  3) To focus on men's health and wellbeing
  4) To highlight discrimination against men
  5) To improve gender relations and promote gender equality
  6) To create a safer, better world
• Men in the UK have a slightly lower educational attainment rate, with around 45% of males aged 25-64 having a tertiary education, compared to 51% of females.
• Men in the UK are more likely than women to both suffer from and die from many major health issues, including heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers. Additionally, men are more likely to engage in risky behavior, such as smoking and drinking alcohol, which can exacerbate these health issues.

In the News and Trending in the UK for International Mens Day

Top things to do in the UK for International Mens Day

• Award a positive male role model or someone who inspires you with an International Men's Day certificate. For instructions on making one, go to IMD Award Certificates .
• Raise awareness on social media by using the tags #internationalmensday, #celebratemen, #menshealth, #stopmalesuicide, and #thankamantoday
• Use International Men's Day as an opportunity to discuss and reflect on men's mental health, gender issues, and positive male role models.
• Acknowledge the contributions and achievements of men in your life, community, and history who inspire and make a positive impact.