International Men's day: Yes, it's a Thing.


I've been around a few moon cycles, so I consider myself old enough to be wise or at least know better. But when a buddy sent me a Happy IMD message, I thought it was a joke. Lo and Behold! It's a thing. I've been in my Castle too long...I need to get out more.


Every November 19th, International Men's Day rolls around, often to a chorus of, "Wait, is that a real thing?" Yes, it absolutely is! And it's not just about Kings celebrating themselves in front of the mirror, flexing to their favorite motivational playlist (Mine is M.O.P's Ante Up on repeat). This day carries real significance for men and society as a whole.


What Is International Men's Day?

International Men's Day (IMD) began in 1999 in Trinidad and Tobago. It was spearheaded by Dr. Jerome Teelucksingh, who believed men deserved a day to celebrate their contributions while also addressing the challenges they face. Unlike Father's Day, which focuses solely on dads, IMD is inclusive of all men—fathers, sons, brothers, mentors, and friends.


This day emphasizes six core objectives:

  1. Promoting positive male role models.
  2. Celebrating men's contributions to society, family, and community.
  3. Highlighting men's health and well-being.
  4. Addressing challenges like discrimination, inequality, and toxic masculinity.
  5. Improving gender relations and promoting equality.
  6. Creating a safer, better world for everyone.

Memes and quips about their necessity often overshadow these big daily goals. But IMD is about more than giving men a fist bump; it's about fostering genuine dialogue and actionable change.


Why International Men's Day Matters

Let's face it—when we talk about gender issues, we usually focus on women (and rightly so, given the historical imbalances). But in the process, men's unique struggles sometimes get overlooked. IMD provides an opportunity to spotlight these issues without detracting from other critical conversations about gender.


For instance:

  • Men's Mental Health: Men are statistically less likely to seek help for mental health issues, leading to alarmingly high rates of suicide among men globally.
  • Health Awareness: Conditions like prostate cancer and heart disease are more prevalent among men, yet many avoid regular checkups.
  • Challenging Stereotypes: The "man up" culture, where emotions are equated with weakness, has led many men to suppress their feelings and suffer in silence. Sometimes I just want to be a "punk bitch." and not be judged too harshly.

By recognizing these issues, IMD encourages men to embrace vulnerability, seek support, and build healthier lives.


What Can We Do to Celebrate?

Celebrating IMD doesn't require grand gestures—no need to rent a bouncy castle shaped like a barbell. Small but meaningful actions can make a difference:

  • Start a Conversation: Discuss men's health, relationships, and well-being.
  • Promote Male Role Models: Share stories of men who inspire positivity and growth.
  • Challenge Toxic Norms: Speak against harmful stereotypes and promote kindness and empathy.
  • Support Charities: Donate to organizations tackling men's health issues, mental health, and education.

This is not about creating competition between genders; it's about creating a balanced society where everyone thrives.


Let's all agree: IMD is not a consolation prize or the "counterpart" to International Women's Day. It's a legitimate opportunity to celebrate men's unique roles while acknowledging areas where they need support. So, gentlemen, whether you celebrate by finally scheduling that long-overdue doctor's appointment, mentoring a young person, or just giving your dad a call—make it count. Queens and Ladies, feel free to join in! After all, a better world for men is a better world for everyone.


Until next time, Stay royal, Stay Regal and may your reign last a thousand years.

Omar Sanda

Sources:

  1. Connell, R. W., & Messerschmidt, J. W. (2005). Hegemonic masculinity: Rethinking the concept. Gender & Society, 19(6), 829-859. https://doi.org/10.1177/0891243205278639
  2. Hawkes, S. (2021). Why we need International Men's Day. The Lancet Global Health, 9(11), E1452-E1453. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2214-109X(21)00429-7
  3. Teelucksingh, J. (1999). International Men's Day: Its Purpose and Vision. Trinidad and Tobago: IMD Official Website.
  4. Movember Foundation. (n.d.). Men's health is in focus. Retrieved from https://www.movember.com
  5. World Health Organization. (2020). Mental health and suicide prevention in men. Retrieved from https://www.who.int


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