We all know when International Women’s Day is but not many of us are aware of International Men’s Day. International Men’s Day (IMD) is an annual celebration that is marked on November 19 every year. The day is celebrated to promote awareness of male health, discrimination and gender relations. It was founded in 1998 in Trinidad and Tobago and is today observed in over 60 countries of the world. November also marks the ‘No Shave November’ ‘Movember’ month where men grow out their moustaches and beards for a social cause to spread awareness on men’s mental health and depression. The theme for IMD 2018 is ‘Positive Male Role Models’. International Men's Day 2018: Let Us Break These Male Gender Stereotypes That Exist in Society.

Theme & Significance

The website defines the day ‘as an opportunity for people everywhere of goodwill to appreciate and celebrate the men in their lives and the contribution they make to society for greater good of all.’ The theme for this year is ‘Positive male role models’ as the organisers have cited the effect of the number of children growing up with a suitable male role model and the effect that this could have on the rest of their lives. International Men’s Day encourages men to teach the boys in their lives the values, character and responsibilities of being a man. No Shave November: Movember Foundation Wants to Focus on Health of 50 Million Men This Year.

Objectives of International Men’s Day

The main objectives of International Men’s Day are – to promote positive male role models; to celebrate men’s positive contributions to society; to focus on men’s health and well-being; to highlight discrimination against men; to improve gender relations and promote gender equality and to create a safer and better world.

You can celebrate International Men’s Day by donating to causes related to men’s health and by talking to your male friends who are in need or are seeking help. In many countries, the day is commemorated by conducting public seminars, conferences, festivals and fundraisers. Programs are also held in schools and colleges. Various studies have shown that involvement of a father or male model has profound effects on children. Happy International Men’s Day 2018!

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 19, 2018 08:54 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).