International Men's Day

International Men's Day History

International Men's Day (IMD) seeks to raise awareness about the issues men and boys face. This day aims to acknowledge men's achievements and celebrate their contributions to their communities. It encourages discussion about men's and boys' mental health and works to improve gender relations by aiming for gender equality.

International Men's Day was started in 1991 by Professor Thomas Oaster. IMD had been called for since the 1960s, but the small events happening worldwide in countries like the U.S., Canada, and France needed to get more attention for the holiday to become international. Even Oaster failed to promote the event, and in 1995, he ceased any plans for future IMDs. It wasn't until 1999 that history professor Dr. Jerome Teelucksingh would go on to officially establish the day in Trinidad and Tobago. It would gain popularity in several different countries and eventually spread globally by creating the website internationalmensday.com.

International Men's Day is observed on November 19, which aligns with its global celebration date. Events and activities are held across the country to recognize and promote the value and importance of men's contributions to society and provide a platform for discussion on issues affecting men. These can include conferences, panel discussions, workshops, and charity events. IMD offers an opportunity to come together and reaffirm their commitment to celebrating men's positive influence and addressing the critical challenges men and boys face in today's society.

International Men's Day facts

• The theme for International Men's Day in 2024 was Positive Male Role Models. In 2023 the theme 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

In the News and Trending in the US for International Men's Day

Top things to do in the US for International Men's 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
• Participate in local or themed events. Movember for example, involves the growing of a moustache during November to raise awareness about men's health issues.
• What are some popular things to do or places to see for International Men's Day in America?
  International Men's Day is celebrated annually on November 19 worldwide, including America, aiming to highlight positive male role models and raise awareness of men's issues. These include topics like mental health, toxic masculinity, and the prevalence of male suicide.
  Spend time with male role models in your life, like your father, grandfather, or mentor.