Today, on 19th November 2019, we celebrate International Men’s Day (IMD). Celebrated during the month of Movember, which is dedicated to supporting men’s health), IMD recognises how male allies play a vital role in creating and developing truly inclusive workplaces and communities.
IMD’s theme for this year is ‘Making a Difference for Men and Boys’, to encourage men to lead by example. “We want to promote the need to value men and boys and help people make practical improvements in men and boy’s health and well-being,” says Warwick Marsh from Australia, and coordinator for IMD.
“Boys need positive male role models. Our broader community also needs positive male role models. This is the best way to create a fair and safe society which allows everyone the opportunity to flourish,” states Marsh.
PROMOTONG POSITIVE ROLE MODELS
Now celebrated in more than 80 countries worldwide, IMD is going from strength to strength, says Marsh. November is an important month for the masculine soul because it celebrates several events that are important to men. “Our mission this year is to help individuals, families, churches, communities, small business and corporates, including NGOs and Government to make a difference for men and boys,” adds Marsh.
IMD recognises the intersection between gender and other factors such as race and sexuality, which can compound the inequalities affecting men and boys. It also takes a gender inclusive approach, ensuring that issues affecting women and girls are also resolved.
GLOBAL REVOLUTION
Launched back in 1999 by Founder Dr Jerome Teelucksingh from Trinidad & Tobago, IMD is designed to promote positive role models in society and develop wholesome individuals. “Such developments are badly needed in today’s wounded communities, which reflect distorted and outdated beliefs and constant clashes among men, women and children. These tensions unravel the fabric of the family and the society,” comments Teelucksingh.
“The observances of International Men’s Day are part of a global love revolution. International Men’s Day is observed on an annual basis by persons from all walks of life, who support the ongoing effort to improve lives, heal scarred hearts, seek solutions to social problems, mend troubled minds, reform the social outcasts and uplift the dysfunctional,” he adds.
The day following International Men’s Day, 20th November, is International Children’s Day which forms 48 hours of celebration for men, children and the special relationship fathers have with their children.
IMD’s website provide suggestions on how you can celebrate today and how to get your local community/workplace involved.
Click here for more information.
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