International Men's Day (IMD)

International Men's Day (IMD)

The 19th November of every year is supposed to be the International Men's Day (IMD), and a reminder to the people that men are good. (The underlined terms can be looked up in the glossary.)

Introduction. The International Men's Day (IMD), which falls on the 19th November of every year, is important in that, it aims at changing the negative stereotypes about the men and masculinity that are so prevalent in the society today. Men and boys in almost all countries face problems just for being born as members of the male sex, and their problems are largely ignored by the society as well as the governments. People have a kind of thinking that if a male person is facing difficulties, he must have deserved it, even when the problem is systematic and codified in the law. The IMD reminds people of the men's positive contributions to the society and to their families and friends.

Aims of the IMD. The International Men's Day is based on the following 6 egalitarian pillars:

  1. To promote positive male role models; not just movie stars and sports men but everyday, working class men who are living decent, honest lives.
  2. To celebrate men's positive contributions to society, community, family, marriage, childcare, and to the environment.
  3. To focus on men's health and well-being; social, emotional, physical, and spiritual.
  4. To highlight discrimination against males; in areas of social services, social attitudes and expectations, and law.
  5. To improve gender relations and promote gender equality.
  6. To create a safer, better world; where people can be safe and grow to reach their full potential.

What can I do? This page lists some great ideas. In general, anything that promotes a positive image of men and masculinity, or challenges a negative stereotype about men and masculinity, or helps men and boys achieve better health and education (these are some of the areas in which they're falling behind) and equal rights, is a worthy undertaking and a great contribution toward achieving the IMD's goals.


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