International Men’s Day 2024: Date, History, Importance, Celebrations, and Theme

Every year on November 19, International Men's Day is celebrated across the globe.

Yes, you heard it right! Just like International Women's Day, we do celebrate International Men's Day annually.

However, a few might be wondering! Do we have this day on our calendar? On the other hand, few might be thinking why men need an awareness day. But honestly, they do need it.

Now the question arises: since all the official days tend to acknowledge the "underdog," why is this day important and why is it celebrated in the first place? And unsurprisingly, every year the day sparks a controversy, with individuals claiming “every day is a men's day.”

As the annual event, the day provides a way to celebrate the roles of male models in our lives and to shed light on the issues that males face every day. So, where did it all start and why and how is it celebrated?

History of International Men’s Day

International Men’s Day was first proposed in 1991 by an American men’s rights activist, Thomas Oaster. However, later in 1999, the day was revived by Dr. Jerome Teelucksingh, a history professor at the University of the West Indies in Trinidad and Tobago. He used to celebrate the day to honour his father’s birthday.

Now, fast forward over 23 years; the day is celebrated in over 80 countries with the aim of highlighting the issues men face today. In fact, the day is not just about celebrating men but also improving gender relations and promoting gender equality.

Why do we need International Men’s Day?

Just like any other day, this day is also held annually. If we talk about the day, it is an opportunity to celebrate men and boys in all their diversity.

Many people also utilise this day to shed light on some of the key social issues that men and boys face. These “men's issues” include:

● Mental Health

● Patriarchy

● Men’s Right Movement

According to an analysis by the International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS), Deonar, the suicide rate among Indian men is 2.5 times that among women.

In fact, for a long time, many men have been trapped in stereotype threats such as “Boys don't cry” or “Man is no binary.” However, this is not true; after all, they are also humans; they have emotions. So, it is important to address these issues and break the stigma surrounding men's mental health. By recognising these loopholes, we can create a more inclusive and supportive society for everyone.

Key Objectives of International Men’s Day

As a general rule, the majority of celebrations share one or more of the following objectives:

● Valuing male role models

● Recognising the contribution of men and boys

● Boosting male health

● Tackling discrimination and disadvantage

● Fostering positive gender relations

● Creating the world a safer place for everyone

Theme for 2024

The theme for this year is “Positive Male Role Models”

How it is celebrated

When it comes to celebrating the day, International Men's Day is celebrated through:

● Raising awareness regarding men's health and well-being

● Respecting male role models and healthy masculinity

● Promoting gender equality and addressing misconceptions

● Community events and fundraising activities include charity runs, health fairs, and panel discussions.

These events aim to promote equality, challenge harmful norms, and foster a culture of mutual respect while addressing pressing issues affecting men worldwide.

So, be the change if you seek the change!