The International Men’s Day (IMD) is annually observed across the globe on November 19 to honour the men in our lives and to acknowledge cultural, political, and socioeconomic achievements they contribute to our society.
- 19th November 2023 marks the 25th International Men’s Day.
The theme for IMD 2023 is “Zero Male Suicide”.
- This theme highlights the importance of addressing the issue of male suicide, which is a leading cause of death for men and boys around the world.
Background:
i.Celebration of IMD was founded in 1999 by Dr Jerome Teelucksingh, a history lecturer at the University of the West Indies in Trinidad and Tobago.
ii.The first ever IMD was observed on 19th November 1999.
Why November 17?
i.Prof. Teelucksingh chose November 19 as the date for IMD to honour his father’s birthday.
ii.It was also on that day in 1989 that Trinidad and Tobago’s football team had united the country with their endeavours to qualify for the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) World Cup.
Significance:
i.The day offers the opportunity to discuss various important issues concerning men’s health, well-being and their problems.
ii.IMD highlights gender disparities and advocates for equal treatment and opportunities for men in all aspects of life.
iii.The day also stress on the need for the mental well-being of men irrespective of their cultural and social backgrounds.
6 Pillars of IMD:
i.To promote positive male role models
ii.To celebrate men’s positive contributions to society
iii.To focus on men’s health and wellbeing
iv.To highlight discrimination against men
v.To improve gender relations and promote gender equality
vi.To create a safer, better world
Observance:
i.IMD is celebrated in 80 countries across the globe.
ii.In India, the inaugural celebration of IMD was organised by Save Indian Family (Indian Men’s rights organisation) on November 19, 2007.
iii.Indian men’s advocate Uma Challa has also made significant contributions to popularising the day.
- She is the founder of several organizations and pioneered the celebration of IMD in India in 2007.
