International Men's Day: Celebrating Men's Health and Positive Masculinity

International Men's Day: Celebrating Men's Health and Positive Masculinity

When is International Men's Day 2023?

International Men's Day is observed on November 19, although it was initially celebrated in February when it was first created.

The History Behind International Men's Day

In 1968, American journalist John P. Harris drew attention to a lack of balance in the Soviet system that promoted International Women's Day while neglecting to acknowledge men. Though he acknowledged the importance of celebrating women, he saw it as a flaw within the communist system.

During the early 1990s, Thomas Oaster, the director of the Missouri Center for Men's Studies, organized small International Men's Day events in the United States, Australia, and Malta. However, after a poorly attended event in 1995, Oaster discontinued his plans. Malta was the only country that continued to celebrate the day.

                In 1999, Jerome Teelucksingh from the University of the West Indies revived International Men's Day in Trinidad and Tobago. He recognized the need to celebrate men who didn't have children or were young boys and teenagers, as well as the importance of positive male role models. Teelucksingh chose to celebrate the day on November 19, the birthday of his own father and the day a local soccer team had united his country through their efforts to qualify for the World Cup.

                Since Teelucksingh's revival, International Men's Day has aimed to promote positive aspects of male identity and challenge negative gender stereotypes. It should be noted that the day is not intended to compete with International Women's Day, but rather to highlight the significance of men's physical and mental health and positive masculinity.

International Men's Day Timeline

1968: Unequal communism

American journalist John P. Harris critiques the Soviet Union for celebrating International Women's Day while neglecting an International Men's Day, which he believed contradicted the principles of communism.

1993: Men's events

Thomas Oaster invites organizations in the U.S., Australia, and Malta to hold small Men's Day events.

1999: International Men's Day revival

Jerome Teelucksingh from Trinidad and Tobago brings back International Men's Day to highlight positive male role models and address men's health.

2009: Malta makes the change

Malta shifts its celebration of International Men's Day from February to November to align with the rest of the world.

International Men's Day by Numbers

As men's health and well-being are key objectives of International Men's Day, here are some statistics that align with these goals:

87%: The percentage of rough sleepers who are men.

73%: The percentage of missing persons who are male.

76%: The percentage of suicides that are committed by men.

8.7%: The percentage of men who are dependent on alcohol.

26%: The percentage of men who suffer from high cholesterol.

76: The life expectancy of a man born in the United States.

22%: The percentage of men who have experienced mental health problems in the last year.

Frequently Asked Questions about International Men's Day

Is there an International Men's Day?

Yes, International Men's Day is celebrated annually on November 19, while International Women's Day is celebrated on March 8.

How is International Men's Day celebrated?

Each year, world coordinators suggest a theme for International Men's Day, focusing on specific issues. For example, past themes have included "Working to Expand Reproductive Options for Men" in 2015 and "Keeping Men and Boys Safe" in 2013.

What does International Men's Day mean?

The purpose of International Men's Day is to raise awareness about men's mental and physical health, promote positive masculinity, and support ethical male role models.

Activities to Celebrate International Men's Day

Donate to a men's charity:

The Gay Men's Health Crisis helps reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS and supports individuals affected by HIV, regardless of sexual orientation.

The Sean Kimerling Testicular Cancer Foundation raises awareness about testicular cancer and the importance of self-examination.

The ManKind Initiative assists men in escaping and recovering from domestic violence and abuse.

Learn more about lesser-known influential men:

Discover exceptional stories by reading books or watching movies about influential men who have made a lasting impact. For example, "The Black American Experience" delves into the life of Dr. Daniel Hale Williams, the first black man to perform a successful open-heart surgery. "The Imitation Game" tells the captivating story of Alan Turing, the inventor of modern computing and a key figure in ending World War Two.

Check in with the men in your life:

Building positive relationships with men starts with simple acts of care. Reach out to your male family members and friends to see how they're doing and offer support.

Why We Love International Men's Day

It celebrates the diversity of men:

While it's true that men are appreciated every day, International Men's Day reminds us that each man deserves recognition in his own right. This day celebrates all the different types of men who contribute to our world.

It challenges societal expectations:

Men often face societal pressure to be providers while suppressing their emotions and refraining from seeking help. International Men's Day acknowledges these challenges and aims to redefine masculinity, encouraging men to express themselves authentically.

It promotes gender equality:

International Men's Day underscores the importance of positive relationships between genders and encourages us to strive for equality across the entire gender spectrum.

International Men's Day Dates

2023    November 19    Sunday

2024  November 19     Tuesday

2025   November 19    Wednesday

2026  November 19   Thursday

2027 November 19  Friday