19 november

About International Men's Day

International Men's Day is an international event celebrated on November 19 every year. It was inaugurated in 1999 in Trinidad and Tobago and was supported by the United Nations, and received in principal support from men's groups in USA, Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean. Speaking on behalf of UNESCO, Director of Women and Culture of Peace Ms. Ingeborg Breines said of IMD: “This is an excellent idea and would give some gender balance.” She added that UNESCO was looking forward to cooperating with IMD organisers.

The objectives of celebrating an International Men's Day include focusing on men's and boy's health, improving gender relations, promoting gender equality, and highlighting positive male role models. It is an occasion for men to highlight discrimination against them and to celebrate their achievements and contributions, in particular for their contributions to community, family, marriage, and child care.

International Men's Day is celebrated in Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, Australia, India, United States, Singapore, United Kingdom, Malta, and South Africa on November 19, and global support for the celebration is broad.

According to its creators International Men’s Day is a time for men to highlight discrimination against them in areas of health, family law, education, media or other areas and to project their positive contributions and achievements. 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, 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 Woman's Day, but is for the purpose of highlighting men's experiences. Each year a different theme is highlighted, such as peace in 2002, men’s health in 2003, or healing and forgiveness in 2007. In consultation with organizers from other nations, Australian IMD coordinator Phil Gouldson has outlined the following broad objectives of International Men’s Day:

• Celebrate manhood and the wonderful positive and valuable contributions our men, young men, and boys make to our communities and to our societies

• Promote and Support gender equality, encouraging men to address responsibly and positively the challenges facing them in society

• Demonstrate strength of character and courage in meeting the challenges that men face in society and in contributing to building stronger and better communities, where people can be safe and grow to reach their full potential.

According to Mens 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 Nov 20 and forms a 48 hour celebration firstly of men, then children respectively, with a recognition of the bonds between them.