INTERNATIONAL MEN'S DAY

November 19 marks the observance of International Men’s Day

International Men's Day (IMD) is an annual international event celebrated on November 19. Inaugurated in 1999 in Trinidad and Tobago, the day and its events find support from a variety of individuals and groups in Australia, the Caribbean, North America, Asia, Europe, Africa, and the United Nations

International Men’s Day is a time for many people to reflect on the contributions, sacrifices and progress made by men in society. Such progress includes that of men working together with women to make educational, economic, social, and technological advances in society. Topics that may be discussed or showcased through various media, activities and events on the day may include:

• Men’s and boys’ health.
• The importance of gender equality.
• Improvements towards gender relations in all societies.
• Positive male role models for younger generations.
• Men’s roles in community, family, relationships and childcare.
• Healing and forgiveness.

Meetings, workshops or group gatherings may also be held on this day to focus on overcoming challenges such as domestic violence and drug abuse. International Men’s Day is supported by various organizations worldwide, including the United Nations (UN) and the Men's Network

In 2009 the following broad objectives were ratified as a basis for all International Men’s Day observations:

• To promote positive male role models not just movie stars and sports men but everyday, working class men who are living decent, honest lives.

• To celebrate men’s positive contributions to society, community, family, marriage, child care, and to the environment.

• To focus on men’s health and wellbeing social, emotional, physical and spiritual.

• To highlight discrimination against men in areas of social services, social attitudes and expectations, and law.

• To improve gender relations and promote gender equality.

• To create a safer, better world where people can be safe and grow to reach their full potential

 

The theme for 2014 is, "Keeping Men and Boys safe".


The nominated target areas are:
• Keeping men and boys Safe by tackling male suicide;

• Keeping boys safe so they can become tomorrow’s role models;

• Tackling our tolerance of violence against men and boys;

• Boosting men’s life expectancy by keeping men and boys safe from avoidable illness and death;

• Keeping men and boys safe by promoting fathers and male role models.
The 2014 Press Release asks, "People all over the world are used to relating to men as protectors and providers, but how often do we consider the actions we can all take to protect Men and Boys from harm and provide them with a safe world where they can thrive and prosper?"

LIONS LET US JOIN IN KEEPING OUR 

MEN AND BOYS SAFE