International Men’s Day [19th November]

International Men’s Day is observed on 19th November as an annual celebration of men’s achievements worldwide. This is also an important day to highlight men’s issues, which are not discussed much, such as men’s mental health and emotional well-being. Men’s Day is not just an occasion but an event that validates men’s struggles while promoting their achievements on the social, economic, political and cultural fronts.

The idea of International Men’s Day was conceived as a counterpart to Women’s Day, which is celebrated on 8th March. Men’s Day is also not officially recognized by the United Nations, which observes 19th November as World Toilet Day. Know more about the history of 19th November and its significance here.

International Men’s Day 2023

Men’s Day aims to promote the achievements of men while also creating an opportunity for them to open up about their struggles. Various studies suggest that men are less likely to talk about their struggles than other genders. This is because of the socio-cultural expectations attributed to men. On International Men’s Day, men’s rights are promoted, and their challenges are validated.

This day is observed in 57 countries, with each region celebrating the day uniquely. Here, we have shared some more information about International Men’s Day:

International Men’s Day 2023 Theme

Each year, on 19th November, a new Men’s Day theme is announced, based on which the celebrations are observed in the world. The theme is generally set to highlight the current issues faced by the gender on a global scale. The International Men’s Day 2023 theme is “Zero Male Suicide.” This theme encourages men to stop falling into suicide.

Here are some previous year’s International Men’s Day themes:

Men’s Day History

Initially, the concept of International Men’s Day was shared by Thomas Oaster on 8th February 1991. Men’s Day was officially established in the subsequent year on 7th February 1992. However, since this day was only observed in Malta, the Maltese AMR Committee voted for the date of the event to be shifted to 19th November.

On 19th November 1999, Jerome Teelucksingh revived the event in Trinidad and Tobago to commemorate the selection of the Trinidad and Tobago football team in the World Cup in 1989. This day also marked Teelucksingh’s father’s birthday. According to him, International Men’s Day is about removing the stigma against men as it is about promoting their achievements.

International Men’s Day Timeline

• The idea of Men’s Day is conceived by Thomas Oaster on 8th February 1991.
• The day was officially established on 7th February 1992.
• Jerome Teelucksingh revived the day in Trinidad and Tobago in 1999.
• The Maltese AMR Committee votes to shift International Men’s Day to 19th November.

International Men’s Day Objectives

Six key objectives are officially recognized for Men’s Day celebrations. They are listed below:

1. Promoting positive male role models.
2. Celebrating men’s positive contributions to society.
3. Focusing on men’s health and well-being.
4. Highlighting discrimination against men.
5. Improving gender relations and promoting gender equality.
6. Creating a safer, better world for all to grow and reach their full potential.

Significance of Men’s Day

Men’s Day is significant because a lot of men’s issues are not discussed openly in society. When it comes to mental and emotional well-being, men are often neglected due to the assumption of their role as “providers” in society. Moreover, many men claim that they are not given the benefit of the doubt in legal situations because of their gender.

A day like International Men’s Day is about challenging the stigma around men and encouraging the gender to address their issues publicly. This day is also about promoting positive masculine values and encouraging them to assert their identity. Besides straight men, Men’s Day also celebrates gay men, transgender men, and non-binary males.

FAQs on International Men’s Day

Q1. When is International Men’s Day celebrated?

Men’s Day is celebrated globally on 19th November. This day was established in 1994 by Thomas Oaster. International Men’s Day celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political contributions of men to society and challenges the stigma that surrounds gender.

Q2. What is International Men’s Day 2023 theme?

International Men’s Day 2023 theme is “Zero Male Suicide." Each year, a new theme for Men’s Day is announced for global celebrations. This year's theme encourages men to stop suicide.

Q3. Why is International Men’s Day celebrated?

International Men’s Day started as an idea to counter Women’s Day celebrations. However, over the year, the idea became popular and is now celebrated to highlight men’s achievements worldwide. Men’s Day is also celebrated to end the stigma around traditional male values.

Q4. Why is International Men’s Day celebrated on 19th November?

Jerome Teelucksingh chose 19th November as the date for International Men’s Day celebrations to commemorate the birth anniversary of his father. The date also marks the important day on which the Trinidad and Tobago football team was selected for the World Cup in 1989.

Q5. Why is there no International Men’s Day?

International Men’s Day is an annual event celebrated on 19th November every year. The day is celebrated to honor the efforts of men in global sociopolitical, economic, and cultural spaces. This day was established in 1991 by Thomas Oaster to counter Women’s Day celebrations.