Difference between revisions of "International Men's Day"
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| − | '''International Men's Day''' ('''IMD''') is an annual international event celebrated on 19 November. Inaugurated in 1992 on 7 February by Thomas Oaster,<ref |
+ | '''International Men's Day''' ('''IMD''') is an annual international event celebrated on 19 November. Inaugurated in 1992 on 7 February by Thomas Oaster,<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20141129041647/http://internationalmensday.co/kansas-stream-1991-92/</ref> the project of International Men's Day was conceived one year earlier on 8 February 1991.<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20101110024043/http://international-mens-day.com/Kasnsas_stream_archive.php</ref> The celebration was restarted in Trinidad and Tobago on 19 November 1999.<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20141207173213/http://internationalmensday.co/caribbean-stream-99-00/</ref> The longest running celebration of International Men's Day is Malta, where events have occurred since 7 February 1994.<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20141207173715/http://internationalmensday.co/malta-south-africa/</ref> In 2012 the United Nations designated 19 November as ''World Toilet Day''. |
| − | Jerome Teelucksingh, who revived the event, chose 19 November to honour his father's birthday and also to celebrate how on that date in 1989 Trinidad and Tobago's football team had united the country with their endeavours to qualify for the World Cup.<ref> |
+ | Jerome Teelucksingh, who revived the event, chose 19 November to honour his father's birthday and also to celebrate how on that date in 1989 Trinidad and Tobago's football team had united the country with their endeavours to qualify for the World Cup.<ref>https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=yYADBEaYhacC</ref><ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20101110024029/http://international-mens-day.com/Caribbean_stream_1.php</ref> Teelucksingh has promoted International Men's Day as not just a gendered day but a day where all issues affecting men and boys can be addressed. He has said of IMD and its grass roots activists, "They are striving for gender equality and patiently attempt to remove the negative images and the stigma associated with men in our society"<ref>https://books.google.com/books?id=yYADBEaYhacC</ref> |
| − | The objectives of celebrating an International Men's Day, set out in "The Six Pillars of International Men's Day", include focusing on men's and boys' health, improving gender relations, promoting gender equality, and highlighting male role models.<ref |
+ | The objectives of celebrating an International Men's Day, set out in "The Six Pillars of International Men's Day", include focusing on men's and boys' health, improving gender relations, promoting gender equality, and highlighting male role models.<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20121130221119/http://imd-global.org/</ref> It is an occasion to highlight discrimination against men and boys and to celebrate their achievements and contributions, in particular for their contributions to community, family, marriage, and child care.<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20080317022518/http://www.outlookindia.com/pti_news.asp?id=519291</ref><ref>http://internationalmensday.co/caribbean-stream-03-04/</ref> The broader and ultimate aim of the event is to promote basic humanitarian values. |
| − | International Men's Day is celebrated in over 80 countries, |
+ | International Men's Day is celebrated in over 80 countries, on 19 November, and global support for the celebration is broad. International Men's Day is followed by Universal Children's Day on 20 November, forming a 48-hour celebration of men and children, respectively. Additionally, the month of November is also occasionally recognized as International Men's Month. International Men's Day is supported by a variety of organisations including UNESCO. |
== Countries == |
== Countries == |
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| + | International Men's Day has been celebrated in a variety of countries: |
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| + | *[[International Men's Day (Antigua and Barbuda)|Antigua and Barbuda]] |
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*[[International Men's Day (Austria)|Austria]] |
*[[International Men's Day (Austria)|Austria]] |
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*[[International Men's Day (Australia)|Australia]] |
*[[International Men's Day (Australia)|Australia]] |
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*[[International Men's Day (Burundi)|Burundi]] |
*[[International Men's Day (Burundi)|Burundi]] |
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*[[International Men's Day (Canada)|Canada]] |
*[[International Men's Day (Canada)|Canada]] |
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| + | *[[International Men's Day (Cayman Islands)|Cayman Islands]] |
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*[[International Men's Day (China)|China]] |
*[[International Men's Day (China)|China]] |
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*[[International Men's Day (Colombia)|Colombia]] |
*[[International Men's Day (Colombia)|Colombia]] |
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*[[International Men's Day (Jamaica)|Jamaica]] |
*[[International Men's Day (Jamaica)|Jamaica]] |
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*[[International Men's Day (Malta)|Malta]] |
*[[International Men's Day (Malta)|Malta]] |
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| + | *[[International Men's Day (New Zealand)|New Zealand]] |
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*[[International Men's Day (Norway)|Norway]] |
*[[International Men's Day (Norway)|Norway]] |
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*[[International Men's Day (Pakistan)|Pakistan]] |
*[[International Men's Day (Pakistan)|Pakistan]] |
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*[[International Men's Day (Singapore)|Singapore]] |
*[[International Men's Day (Singapore)|Singapore]] |
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*[[International Men's Day (South Africa)|South Africa]] |
*[[International Men's Day (South Africa)|South Africa]] |
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| + | *[[International Men's Day (St. Kitts and Nevis)|St. Kitts and Nevis]] |
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| + | *[[International Men's Day (St. Lucia)|St. Lucia]] |
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*[[International Men's Day (Tanzania)|Tanzania]] |
*[[International Men's Day (Tanzania)|Tanzania]] |
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*[[International Men's Day (Trinidad & Tobago)|Trinidad & Tobago]] |
*[[International Men's Day (Trinidad & Tobago)|Trinidad & Tobago]] |
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*[[International Men's Day (United States|United States]] |
*[[International Men's Day (United States|United States]] |
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*[[International Men's Day (Zimbabwe)|Zimbabwe]] |
*[[International Men's Day (Zimbabwe)|Zimbabwe]] |
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| − | ==History== |
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| − | ===Early background=== |
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| − | Calls for an International Men's Day have been noted since at least the 1960s, when many men were reported to "have been agitating privately to make 23 February International Men's Day, the equivalent of 8 March, which is International Women's Day"<ref>{{cite web|author=BERNARD GWERTZMAN |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1969/02/24/archives/armed-forces-day-in-soviet-marked-by-rhetoric-and-parties.html |title=Armed Forces Day in Soviet Marked by Rhetoric and Parties; Article, (February 24, 1969) in New York Times |publisher=Select.nytimes.com |date=24 February 1969 |accessdate=20 November 2011}}</ref> The date was informally viewed a male counterpart of Women's Day (8 March) in some territories of the Union, however due to the day's limited focus to historical events some countries of the former union have moved to adopt the more 'male specific' 19 November as International Men's Day, including Belarus, Ukraine, Moldova, Russia and Georgia.<ref name="Thompson"/> |
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| − | In 1968 the American journalist John P. Harris wrote an editorial in the Salina Journal highlighting a lack of balance in the Soviet system, which promoted an International Women's Day for the female workers without promoting a corresponding day for male workers. Harris stated that although he did not begrudge Soviet women their March day of glory, its resulting gender inequality clearly exhibited a serious flaw in the Communist system, which, "makes much of the equal rights it has given the sexes, but as it turns out, the women are much more equal than the men."<ref name="Harris">John P. Harris, 'Red Women – Painted Town', Salina Journal, p.4. 28 March 1964</ref> Harris stated that while the men toiled along in their grooves doing what their government and womenfolk tell them to do, there was no day when males are recognised for their service, leading Harris to conclude that "This strikes me as unwarranted discrimination and rank injustice."<ref name="Harris"/> Similar questions about the inequality of observing women's day without a corresponding men's day occurred in media publications from the 1960s through to the 1990s,<ref>[https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=gL9scSG3K_gC&dat=19790308&printsec=frontpage&hl=en Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, 'Work, Work, Work', 8 March 1979]</ref><ref name="imd11">[http://internationalmensday.co/pre-1990-documents/ The Age, 'Missing Persons', 7 March 1983] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170417041155/http://internationalmensday.co/pre-1990-documents/ |date=17 April 2017}}</ref> at which time the first attempts at inaugurating international Men's Day are recorded.<ref name="Thompson">Thompson, J. 'International Men's Day: The Making of a Movement', Soul Books, 2010</ref> |
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| − | In the early 1990s, organizations in the United States, Australia and Malta held small events in February at the invitation of Thomas Oaster who directed the Missouri Center for Men's Studies at the University of Missouri–Kansas City.<ref name="IMD-History-kansas-stream-1991-92" /> Oaster successfully promoted the event in 1993 and 1994, but his following attempt in 1995 was poorly attended and he ceased plans to continue the event in subsequent years.<ref>[http://internationalmensday.co/about-international-mens-day/ About International Men's Day] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170317232919/http://internationalmensday.co/about-international-mens-day/ |date=17 March 2017}}</ref> Australians also ceased to observe the event (until they re-established it on 19 November 2003) whilst the Maltese Association for Men's Rights continued as the only country that continued to observe the event each year in February.<ref name="Thompson"/> Formerly being the only country still observing the original February date, the Maltese AMR Committee voted in 2009 to begin observing the day on 19 November in order to be synchronized with the rest of the world.<ref name="Caribbean Stream"/><ref name="Thompson"/> |
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| − | Although International Men's and Women's Day are considered to be 'gender focussed' events, they are not ideological mirror images because they highlight issues that are considered unique to men or to women.<ref name="Thompson"/> The history of IMD primarily concerns celebrating issues that are considered unique to the experiences of men and boys, along with an emphasis on positive role models, which is especially "deemed necessary in a social context which is often fascinated with images of males behaving badly... In highlighting positive male role models IMD attempts to show that males of all ages respond much more energetically to positive role models than they do to negative stereotyping."<ref>Thompson, J. [article] 'Origins and Evolution: Perspectives of Two International Days' In Search Of Fatherhood Journal, 2010</ref> |
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| − | ===Cuba=== |
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| − | Cuba held its inaugural IMD observations on 19 November 2011.<ref name="tiempo21.cu">[http://www.tiempo21.cu/index.php/las-tunas/4301-dia-internacional-del-hombre-resaltan-en-las-tunas-importancia-de-la-equidad-de-generos Día Internacional del Hombre: resaltan en Las Tunas importancia de la equidad de géneros] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121128071121/http://www.tiempo21.cu/index.php/las-tunas/4301-dia-internacional-del-hombre-resaltan-en-las-tunas-importancia-de-la-equidad-de-generos |date=28 November 2012 }} Tiempo21 News</ref> In 2012 the Sculpture Workshop Gallery of Rita Longa was nominated as a weekend space for reflections on the International Day of Man and on the subject of gender equality. The event was attended by members of the Cuban Association of Agricultural and Forestry Technicians (ACTAF) and the Union of Writers and Artists of Cuba (UNEAC), along with nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) who decided to pool efforts with the two major social programs offices. Othoniel Morffis Valera, director of the main institution hosting the event and cultural project coordinator Alley Ceiba, offered their reflections about observing the date for the second time, both in this city and in the capital Havana.<ref name="tiempo21.cu"/> |
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| − | ===Antigua and Barbuda=== |
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| − | In 2010 the Government of Antigua and Barbuda announced its official inauguration of International Men's Day. The day was celebrated with a public observation, speeches and TV interviews. In the keynote speech C. W. Roberts defined the purpose of International Men's Day as, "A global occasion to celebrate the positive contributions and variegated experience of being male. On this day we celebrate men's and boys' strengths whilst taking time to acknowledge their vulnerabilities and their needs." Roberts added that the day intended to transcend negative stereotyping and to encourage and embrace greater options for men and for all people.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ab.gov.ag/gov_v4/article_details.php?id=1074&category=38 |title=Antigua and Barbuda to join in International Men's Day celebrations, Official website of the Government of Antigua and Barbuda |publisher=Ab.gov.ag |accessdate=20 November 2011 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928073730/http://www.ab.gov.ag/gov_v4/article_details.php?id=1074&category=38 |archivedate=28 September 2011 }}</ref> |
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| − | ===St. Kitts and Nevis=== |
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| − | International Men's Day was inaugurated in St. Kitts and Nevis on 19 November 2010. The Ministry of Community Development, Culture and Gender Affairs is using the occasion of International Men's Day to highlight issues affecting and involving men. International Men's Day was observed on Friday and a few activities, such as a health fair, a church service and a panel discussion on general men's issues were organized by the ministry.<ref name="winnfm.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.winnfm.com/news2.asp?NewsID=5505 |title=St. Kitts and Nevis Celebrates International Men's Day |publisher=Winnfm.com |date=21 November 2010 |accessdate=20 November 2011 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120314212307/http://www.winnfm.com/news2.asp?NewsID=5505 |archivedate=14 March 2012 }}</ref> Sharon Rattan, Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Gender Affairs said the Gender Affairs Department wants to reach out more to men as previously they focused mostly on women issues. Rattan told WINN FM that it was their hope to use the opportunity to gather more information about the issues affecting men to guide their plan of action in the future. "We are trying to get men together and engage their minds on the issues that affect them so that we can go forward and support them," Rattan said, adding that the programs would also cater to young boys.<ref name="winnfm.com"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sknvibes.com/News/NewsDetails.cfm/15933 |title="Choose no Booze" Discourages alcohol abuse |publisher=Sknvibes.com |date=25 November 2010 |accessdate=20 November 2011}}</ref> |
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| − | ===Cayman Islands=== |
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| − | In 2011 the Department of Counselling Services' Family Resource Centre organized Cayman Islands' first IMD observation consisting of two events; The 1st Annual International Men's Day Football Tournament & Expo open to the public, and secondly a "Give Boys the Best Possible Start in Life" Roundtable Discussion as a featured broadcast. Miriam Foster, Acting Programme Coordinator of the Family Resource Centre said, "We feel it is important that boy's issues are highlighted and we give them an opportunity to express themselves."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ieyenews.com/2011/10/international-men%E2%80%99s-day/ |title=International Men's Day, Cayman iNews -October 15, 2011 |publisher=Ieyenews.com |date=15 October 2011 |accessdate=20 November 2011 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://archive.is/20130126102449/http://www.ieyenews.com/2011/10/international-men%E2%80%99s-day/ |archivedate=26 January 2013 }}</ref> |
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| − | On 19 November 2014 the Cayman Family Resource Centre (FRC) highlighted men's contribution to society, and asking them to make pledges for their futures. A short film was also shown to the public featuring local boys talking about serious issues that affect their lives. The Davenport Development International Men's Day Football Tournament took place on Saturday, 22 November 2014 at the Camana Bay Sports Complex, and Premier Alden McLaughlin delivered an International Men's Day Message. These events marked the fourth consecutive celebration of International Men's Day in Cayman.<ref>[http://loopcayman.com/2014/11/12/cayman-celebrate-intl-mens-day-november-19/ "Cayman Celebrates International Men's Day November 19"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141208163245/http://loopcayman.com/2014/11/12/cayman-celebrate-intl-mens-day-november-19/ |date=8 December 2014 }}</ref><ref>[http://caymannewsservice.com/viewpoint/2014/11/19/mens-day-message Premier Alden McLaughlin's Men's Day Message, Cayman News Service]</ref><ref>[http://www.radiocayman.gov.ky/football-tournament-helps-to-celebrate-men-and-boys Football Tournament Helps to Celebrate Men and Boys – Radio Cayman]</ref> |
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| − | ===St. Lucia=== |
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| − | In 2011 the St. Lucia Crisis Center organized an IMD awareness campaign. Organizers disseminated information about the event and its objectives to media and within educational facilities.<ref name="Thompson"/> |
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| − | In 2014 the Government of St. Lucia held an IMD event at the auditorium of the Wellness Centre on the Millennium Highway where men of all ages were invited to attend. The event was geared at recognizing and celebrating the achievements of men and boys, and was titled "Appreciating Men's Leadership and Sacrifice for Family and Country." It was organized by the Division of Gender Relations in the Ministry of Health, included a focus on men's and boy's health, improving gender relations, promoting gender equality and developing positive male role models, and highlighted discriminations against men.<ref>[http://www.govt.lc/news/-a-celebration-of-men- "A Celebration of Men" – Government of St. Lucia Website]</ref> |
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| − | ===New Zealand=== |
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| − | In 2018 a small group is promoting men's day in New Zealand.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.healthychristchurch.org.nz/news/resources-and-information/2018/9/save-the-date-international-mens-day-new-zealand-aotearoa|title=International Men's Day New Zealand Aotearoa|last=|first=|date=5 September 2018|website=|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=2 October 2018}}</ref> There is no official support from the New Zealand government. The [https://internationalmensday.nz/ International Men's Day New Zealand] website states "International Men’s Day encourages people to make the world a better place by supporting men. It reinforces and supports other efforts to make society fairer, safer, and improve wellbeing for everyone." |
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==Observances== |
==Observances== |
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| − | According to its creators, International Men's Day is a time to promote positive aspects of male identity based on the premise that 'males of all ages respond more energetically to positive role models than they do to negative gender stereotyping'.<ref name="IMD Global Website - About IMD">[http://internationalmensday.co/about-international-mens-day/ IMD Global Website – About IMD]</ref> 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, award ceremonies, and art displays.<ref>[http://internationalmensday.co/caribbean-stream-05-06/ International Men's Day Global Website Archive 2005–2006]</ref><ref name="International Men's Day' p.11">Jerome Teelucksingh – 'International Men's Day', article in Transitions: A Journal of Men's Perspectives. Vol 27, No.4 p.11 (2007)</ref> 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 Women's Day, but is for the purpose of highlighting men's experiences. |
+ | According to its creators, International Men's Day is a time to promote positive aspects of male identity based on the premise that 'males of all ages respond more energetically to positive role models than they do to negative gender stereotyping'.<ref name="IMD Global Website - About IMD">[http://internationalmensday.co/about-international-mens-day/ IMD Global Website – About IMD]</ref> 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, award ceremonies, and art displays.<ref>[http://internationalmensday.co/caribbean-stream-05-06/ International Men's Day Global Website Archive 2005–2006]</ref><ref name="International Men's Day' p.11">Jerome Teelucksingh – 'International Men's Day', article in Transitions: A Journal of Men's Perspectives. Vol 27, No.4 p.11 (2007)</ref> 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 Women's Day, but is for the purpose of highlighting men's experiences.<ref>http://members.tripod.com/cbtt/archives.html</ref> In 2009 the following broad objectives were ratified as a basis for all International Men's Day observations, and are applied equally to men and boys irrespective of their age, ability, social background, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious belief and Intimate relationship|relationship status: |
* To promote positive male role models; not just movie stars and sportsmen but everyday, working class men who are living decent, honest lives. |
* To promote positive male role models; not just movie stars and sportsmen but everyday, working class men who are living decent, honest lives. |
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* To celebrate men's positive contributions to society, community, family, marriage, child care, and to the environment. |
* To celebrate men's positive contributions to society, community, family, marriage, child care, and to the environment. |
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* To create a safer, better world; where people can live free from harm and grow to reach their full potential<ref name="IMD Global Website - About IMD"/> |
* To create a safer, better world; where people can live free from harm and grow to reach their full potential<ref name="IMD Global Website - About IMD"/> |
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| − | According to Men's 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.<ref>Men's Activism News Network. Press Release Dec 2008</ref> It also interfaces with Universal Children's Day on 20 November and forms a 48-hour celebration firstly of men, then children respectively, with a recognition of the bonds between them.<ref> |
+ | According to Men's 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.<ref>Men's Activism News Network. Press Release Dec 2008</ref> It also interfaces with Universal Children's Day on 20 November and forms a 48-hour celebration firstly of men, then children respectively, with a recognition of the bonds between them.<ref>http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/international-mens-day-and-universal-childrens-day-a-celebration-of-fatherhood-70562992.html</ref><ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20120908010836/http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/international-mens-day-and-universal-childrens-day-a-celebration-of-fatherhood,1056153.shtml</ref> |
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| − | ==Yearly theme== |
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| − | As well as the six Core Objectives, a secondary theme for IMD is usually suggested by world coordinators such as peace in 2002, men's health in 2003, healing and forgiveness in 2007, positive male role models in 2009 and 'our children's future' in 2010. It is not compulsory to adopt these secondary themes and participants are welcome to establish individual themes to suit local needs and concerns.<ref name="IMD Global Website - About IMD"/><ref name="International Men's Day' p.11"/> |
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| − | ===2011 "Giving Boys The Best Possible Start In Life"=== |
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| − | In 2011 the theme for international Men's Day is 'boys' with the title, "Giving Boys The Best Possible Start In Life". This theme asks people around the world to focus on five key challenges that boys all over the world experience in areas of health, education, family life, violence and life choices and to consider local solutions to the global problems that boys face.<ref name="IMD Global Website - About IMD"/> |
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| − | ===2012 "Helping Men and Boys Live longer, Happier and Healthier Lives"=== |
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| − | The theme for 2012 is 'health' with the title "Helping Men and Boys Live longer, Happier and Healthier Lives". The target areas nominated by IMD Founder Jerome Teelucksingh are; 1. Improving male life expectancy; 2. Helping men get help; 3. Improving boys' education; 4. Tackling tolerance of violence against men and boys; and 5. Promoting fathers and positive male role models. The 2012 theme highlights World Health Organization figures showing that every year over half a million people die from violence and 83% of them are men and boys, and that a similar proportion of the global burden of disease (ill-health, disability or early death) from violence is borne by boys and men.<ref name="IMD Global Website - About IMD"/><ref>http://www.who.int/healthinfo/global_burden_disease/projections/en/index.html World Health Organization Global Burden of Disease Estimates</ref> |
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| − | ===2013 "Keeping Men and Boys safe"=== |
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| − | The theme for 2013 as nominated by the IMD Coordination Committee is, "Keeping Men and Boys safe". The nominated target areas are, 1.Keeping men and boys Safe by tackling male suicide; 2. Keeping boys safe so they can become tomorrow's role models; 3. Tackling our tolerance of violence against men and boys; 4. Boosting men's life expectancy by keeping men and boys safe from avoidable illness and death; 5. and Keeping men and boys safe by promoting fathers and male role models. The 2013 Press Release asks, "People all over the world are used to relating to men as protectors and providers, but how often do we consider the actions we can all take to protect Men and Boys from harm and provide them with a safe world where they can thrive and prosper?"<ref>[http://internationalmensday.co/2013-theme/ Press Release of the International Men's Day Coordination Committee, 14 February 2013]</ref> |
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| − | ===2014 "Working Together For Men and Boys"=== |
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| − | 2014 International Men's Day theme was "Working Together For Men and Boys" and was designed to encourage greater cooperation in addressing a range of issues that affect Men and Boys such as men's shorter life expectancy, the high male suicide rate, our collective tolerance of violence against men, and the struggles that boys can face in getting an education and the unique challenges of father-child relationships.<ref>[http://internationalmensday.co/2014-theme/ Press Release of the International Men's Manjunath J Day Coordination Committee, 14 February 2014]</ref> |
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| − | ===2015 "Working To Expand Reproductive Options for Men"=== |
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| − | The International Men's Day theme for 2015 — "Working To Expand Reproductive Options for Men" — is designed to encourage cooperation in addressing reproductive issues that affect men and boys around the world, such as family planning, men's limited reproductive choices, sexual health, and safe sexual practices. The question is asked of how we might improve men's freedom to choose parenthood through cultural, legal, technological and educational avenues.<ref>[http://internationalmensday.co/2015-theme/ Press Release of the International Men's Day Coordination Committee, 25 March 2015]</ref> |
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| − | ===2016 "Stop Male Suicide"=== |
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| − | 2016's theme for International Men's Day was "Stop Male Suicide". In every country except China, the rate of suicide in men is higher than that of women, in some cases as high as six men for every one woman, and life expectancy is routinely less for men than women in all countries. To this end, "Global Action on Men’s Health (GAMH) wants the World Health Organization and other international public health bodies, as well as individual governments, to acknowledge the scale of the problems facing men and boys and to take sustained action to tackle them. This work should sit alongside continuing action to improve the health of women and girls."<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.menshealthweek.org.au/En/Pages/45b128/Tackle-Mens-Health-Problems-In-Every-Country-Says-Global-Mens-Health-Organisation-At-Start-Of-Mens-Health-Week.aspx |title=Tackled Men's Health Problems In Every Country, Says Global Men's Health Organization at Start of Men's Health Week |access-date=24 November 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161125004758/http://www.menshealthweek.org.au/En/Pages/45b128/Tackle-Mens-Health-Problems-In-Every-Country-Says-Global-Mens-Health-Organisation-At-Start-Of-Mens-Health-Week.aspx |archive-date=25 November 2016 |dead-url=yes }}</ref> Glen Poole, an IMD coordinator wrote a book entitled "How You Can Stop Male Suicide in 7 Simple Steps," summarized with the motto "Learn, love, listen."<ref>[InternationalMensDay]. (28 October 2016) International Mens Day 2016. [Video File] Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QRktbxX2Zos.</ref> |
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| − | ===2017 "Celebrating Men And Boys In All Their Diversity"=== |
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| − | In March 2017 the theme of '''"'''Celebrating Men And Boys In All Their Diversity'''"''' was announced by the Global and Regional Coordinators.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=http://ukmensday.org.uk/2017-theme-announced/|title=2017 theme announced: Celebrating Men and Boys in all their Diversity|last=Brooks|first=Mark|date=5 March 2017|website=UkMensDay – IMD UK|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171110152423/http://ukmensday.org.uk/2017-theme-announced/|archive-date=10 November 2017|dead-url=|access-date=|ref=2017-Theme-CelebratingM&BinDiversity}}</ref> The emphasis on "..A Call To Action'''"''' for individuals, institutions, and organizations to innovate the manner in which they design and deliver resources and support services which speak to the unique needs and issues of men and boys."<ref name=":0" /> |
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| − | ===2018 "Positive Male Role Models"=== |
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| − | The theme of 2018's International Men's Day was "Positive Male Role Models," and focused on giving men and boys good positive role models to look up to.<ref>http://www.internationalmensday.com Our Theme for 2018: |
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| − | Positive Male Role Models</ref> |
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== See Also == |
== See Also == |
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| + | *[[History of International Men's Day]] |
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| + | *[[Themes of International Men's Day]] |
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*[[International Boy's Day]] |
*[[International Boy's Day]] |
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* [http://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/world/international-mens-day International Men's Day – Holidays Portal] |
* [http://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/world/international-mens-day International Men's Day – Holidays Portal] |
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* [https://internationalmensday.com/founders-statement/ Founders Statement] |
* [https://internationalmensday.com/founders-statement/ Founders Statement] |
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| + | {{wikipedia}} |
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== References == |
== References == |
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| − | [[Category: Events]] |
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[[Category: Featured Articles]] |
[[Category: Featured Articles]] |
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| − | [[Category: |
+ | [[Category: International Men's Day]] |
| − | [[Category: Malta]] |
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| − | [[Category: Trinidad & Tobago]] |
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[[Category: United Nations]] |
[[Category: United Nations]] |
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| − | [[Category: |
+ | [[Category: Wikipedia]] |
| − | [[Category: United States]] |
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Latest revision as of 21:59, 27 November 2022
International Men's Day (IMD) is an annual international event celebrated on 19 November. Inaugurated in 1992 on 7 February by Thomas Oaster,[1] the project of International Men's Day was conceived one year earlier on 8 February 1991.[2] The celebration was restarted in Trinidad and Tobago on 19 November 1999.[3] The longest running celebration of International Men's Day is Malta, where events have occurred since 7 February 1994.[4] In 2012 the United Nations designated 19 November as World Toilet Day.
Jerome Teelucksingh, who revived the event, chose 19 November to honour his father's birthday and also to celebrate how on that date in 1989 Trinidad and Tobago's football team had united the country with their endeavours to qualify for the World Cup.[5][6] Teelucksingh has promoted International Men's Day as not just a gendered day but a day where all issues affecting men and boys can be addressed. He has said of IMD and its grass roots activists, "They are striving for gender equality and patiently attempt to remove the negative images and the stigma associated with men in our society"[7]
The objectives of celebrating an International Men's Day, set out in "The Six Pillars of International Men's Day", include focusing on men's and boys' health, improving gender relations, promoting gender equality, and highlighting male role models.[8] It is an occasion to highlight discrimination against men and boys and to celebrate their achievements and contributions, in particular for their contributions to community, family, marriage, and child care.[9][10] The broader and ultimate aim of the event is to promote basic humanitarian values.
International Men's Day is celebrated in over 80 countries, on 19 November, and global support for the celebration is broad. International Men's Day is followed by Universal Children's Day on 20 November, forming a 48-hour celebration of men and children, respectively. Additionally, the month of November is also occasionally recognized as International Men's Month. International Men's Day is supported by a variety of organisations including UNESCO.
Countries
International Men's Day has been celebrated in a variety of countries:
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Austria
- Australia
- Bosnia & Herzegovina
- Botswana
- Burundi
- Canada
- Cayman Islands
- China
- Colombia
- Cuba
- Denmark
- France
- Grenada
- India
- Ireland
- Isle of Man
- Italy
- Ghana
- Hungary
- Jamaica
- Malta
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Pakistan
- Romania
- Seychelles
- Singapore
- South Africa
- St. Kitts and Nevis
- St. Lucia
- Tanzania
- Trinidad & Tobago
- Ukraine
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Zimbabwe
Observances
According to its creators, International Men's Day is a time to promote positive aspects of male identity based on the premise that 'males of all ages respond more energetically to positive role models than they do to negative gender stereotyping'.[11] 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, award ceremonies, and art displays.[12][13] 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 Women's Day, but is for the purpose of highlighting men's experiences.[14] In 2009 the following broad objectives were ratified as a basis for all International Men's Day observations, and are applied equally to men and boys irrespective of their age, ability, social background, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious belief and Intimate relationship|relationship status:
- To promote positive male role models; not just movie stars and sportsmen but everyday, working class men who are living decent, honest lives.
- To celebrate men's positive contributions to society, community, family, marriage, child care, and to the environment.
- To focus on men's health and wellbeing; social, emotional, physical and spiritual.
- To highlight discrimination against men; in areas of social services, social attitudes and expectations, and law.
- To improve gender relations and promote gender equality.
- To create a safer, better world; where people can live free from harm and grow to reach their full potential[11]
According to Men's 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.[15] It also interfaces with Universal Children's Day on 20 November and forms a 48-hour celebration firstly of men, then children respectively, with a recognition of the bonds between them.[16][17]
See Also
External links
This article contains information imported from the English Wikipedia. In most cases the page history will have details. If you need information on the importation and have difficulty obtaining it please contact the site administrators. Wikipedia shows a strong woke bias. Text copied over from Wikipedia can be corrected and improved.
References
- ↑ https://web.archive.org/web/20141129041647/http://internationalmensday.co/kansas-stream-1991-92/
- ↑ https://web.archive.org/web/20101110024043/http://international-mens-day.com/Kasnsas_stream_archive.php
- ↑ https://web.archive.org/web/20141207173213/http://internationalmensday.co/caribbean-stream-99-00/
- ↑ https://web.archive.org/web/20141207173715/http://internationalmensday.co/malta-south-africa/
- ↑ https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=yYADBEaYhacC
- ↑ https://web.archive.org/web/20101110024029/http://international-mens-day.com/Caribbean_stream_1.php
- ↑ https://books.google.com/books?id=yYADBEaYhacC
- ↑ https://web.archive.org/web/20121130221119/http://imd-global.org/
- ↑ https://web.archive.org/web/20080317022518/http://www.outlookindia.com/pti_news.asp?id=519291
- ↑ http://internationalmensday.co/caribbean-stream-03-04/
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 IMD Global Website – About IMD
- ↑ International Men's Day Global Website Archive 2005–2006
- ↑ Jerome Teelucksingh – 'International Men's Day', article in Transitions: A Journal of Men's Perspectives. Vol 27, No.4 p.11 (2007)
- ↑ http://members.tripod.com/cbtt/archives.html
- ↑ Men's Activism News Network. Press Release Dec 2008
- ↑ http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/international-mens-day-and-universal-childrens-day-a-celebration-of-fatherhood-70562992.html
- ↑ https://web.archive.org/web/20120908010836/http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/international-mens-day-and-universal-childrens-day-a-celebration-of-fatherhood,1056153.shtml