What is International Men's Day?
A day to celebrate the achievements and contributions of men and boys
Observed annually on November 19th, International Men's Day (IMD) is a global event that aims to raise awareness about men's health and well-being, as well as to highlight the positive contributions that men make to society.
The day was first celebrated in 1999 by Dr. Jerome Teelucksingh, a history professor from the University of the West Indies in Trinidad and Tobago. Teelucksingh chose November 19th as the date for IMD because it coincides with the birthday of his father, who he considered to be a role model for all men.
Since its inception, IMD has been celebrated in over 60 countries around the world. In 2019, the United Nations officially recognized IMD as an international observance.
The goals of International Men's Day
The goals of IMD are to:
- Raise awareness about men's health and well-being
- Highlight the positive contributions that men make to society
- Promote gender equality and respect for all genders
- Encourage men to seek help when they need it
How to celebrate International Men's Day
There are many ways to celebrate IMD. Some popular activities include:
- Hosting a discussion or workshop on men's health or well-being
- Organizing a screening of a film or documentary about men's issues
- Volunteering at a local organization that supports men
- Simply spending time with the men in your life and letting them know how much you care about them
Why is International Men's Day important?
IMD is an important day because it helps to raise awareness about men's health and well-being. Men are more likely than women to die from heart disease, stroke, cancer, and other preventable causes. IMD also highlights the positive contributions that men make to society. Men are often the breadwinners for their families, and they play a vital role in raising children and caring for elderly parents.
IMD is a day to celebrate men and all that they do. It is a day to remind men that they are loved and appreciated. It is also a day to encourage men to seek help when they need it and to make healthy choices for themselves and their families.