International Men¡¯s Day (IMD) 2024: Date, theme, history, significance, and everything you need to know

International Men¡¯s Day 2024 date, theme and more: International Men¡¯s Day (IMD) is a global event held annually on 19 November. It highlights the challenges faced by men, including issues like parental alienation, homelessness, mental health struggles, and violence. This day also celebrates the achievements and contributions of men and boys to society, communities, families, and more.

The event is guided by the Six Pillars of International Men¡¯s Day, which focuses on promoting gender equality and positive male role models. Here¡¯s everything you need to know about International Men¡¯s Day 2024, including its history, significance, and how it is celebrated, especially in India.

International Men¡¯s Day (IMD) 2024 Theme

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The theme for International Men¡¯s Day 2024 is ¡®Positive Male Role Models,¡¯ which will be celebrated globally, reported in HT. This theme highlights the importance of having open conversations about men¡¯s mental health and creating safe, supportive environments where men can thrive, especially as awareness of these issues grows.

History of International Men¡¯s Day

The idea for International Men¡¯s Day originated in 1991, and the first celebration was organised by Thomas Oaster on 7 February 1992. Initially, only a few countries observed the day in February, with Malta being a key participant. However, in 1999, the date was changed to 19 November thanks to efforts by Dr Jerome Teelucksingh from Trinidad and Tobago.

Teelucksingh chose this date to honour his father¡¯s birthday and to commemorate the unity shown by Trinidad and Tobago¡¯s football team during their 1989 World Cup qualification campaign. He envisioned IMD as a day to address critical issues affecting men and boys while promoting gender equality and challenging negative stereotypes.

Early Calls for Recognition

Discussions about establishing an International Men¡¯s Day date back to at least the 1960s. Reports suggest that some men privately advocated for 23 February to be designated as International Men¡¯s Day, mirroring 8 March, which is International Women¡¯s Day. In the Soviet Union, 23 February was observed as Red Army and Navy Day since 1922, later renamed Defender of the Fatherland Day in 2002. While this day was informally seen as a male counterpart to Women¡¯s Day in parts of the Soviet Union, its focus on historical military events led some former Soviet countries¡ªsuch as Belarus, Ukraine, Moldova, Russia, and Georgia¡ªto adopt 19 November as International Men¡¯s Day, which is more explicitly male-oriented.

Acknowledgement of Gender Imbalance

In 1968, American journalist John P. Harris highlighted the absence of a men¡¯s day in his editorial for the Salina Journal. He pointed out the imbalance in the Soviet system, which celebrated women with International Women¡¯s Day while ignoring men. Harris acknowledged the importance of honouring women but argued that this omission showed a flaw in the system. He remarked, "While women have their day of glory, men quietly toil away without recognition for their contributions." Harris called this oversight "unwarranted discrimination and injustice." Similar concerns were raised in media discussions throughout the 1960s to the 1990s, eventually leading to attempts to establish a formal day for men.

Initial Celebrations

In the early 1990s, organisations in the United States, Australia, and Malta held small events during February. These were organised by Thomas Oaster, director of the Missouri Center for Men¡¯s Studies at the University of Missouri¨CKansas City. Oaster¡¯s efforts were successful in 1993 and 1994, but a poorly attended event in 1995 led him to discontinue the initiative. While Australia stopped observing the event until it was reinstated on 19 November 2003, Malta continued to recognise International Men¡¯s Day every February. However, in 2009, the Maltese Association for Men¡¯s Rights voted to align with the global community by shifting their celebration to 19 November.

Differences Between International Men¡¯s and Women¡¯s Days

Although both International Men¡¯s Day and International Women¡¯s Day focus on gender-specific issues, they are not direct counterparts. Each day highlights challenges and achievements unique to men or women. The history of International Men¡¯s Day places particular emphasis on the experiences of men and boys, aiming to challenge negative stereotypes and celebrate positive male role models.

The organisers of International Men¡¯s Day stress the importance of promoting uplifting images of men in a society often fascinated by stories of men behaving badly. They believe showcasing positive male role models helps inspire men of all ages far more effectively than focusing on negative stereotypes.

The Six Pillars of International Men¡¯s Day

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The celebration of International Men¡¯s Day is based on these six objectives:

• Promoting Positive Role Models: Recognising everyday men who contribute positively to society.
• Celebrating Contributions: Highlighting men¡¯s efforts in family, work, and communities.
• Focusing on Men¡¯s Health: Addressing physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
• Addressing Discrimination: Shedding light on unfair treatment of men in social, legal, and workplace settings.
• Improving Gender Equality: Fostering mutual respect between genders.
• Creating a Safer World: Encouraging collaboration to create a better future for everyone.

International Men¡¯s Day in India

The first celebration of International Men¡¯s Day (IMD) in India was organised by the Indian Family Foundation, a leading men¡¯s rights group, on 19 November 2007. This date was chosen as countries like Australia and the West Indies (Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago) were already observing IMD on this day. The event was held again in 2008, with plans to make it an annual occasion.

In 2009, IMD in India received its first corporate sponsorship. The menswear brand Allen Solly introduced special promotional offers for the day, while HBO aired male-positive films as part of its "Men in Black" series on 19 November. In 2014, Confidare Education Consultancy hosted an IMD-themed art gallery in New Delhi, while protests in Kolkata focused on men¡¯s rights and issues such as elder abuse. Activists also raised concerns about the lack of gender-neutral laws regarding domestic violence and child custody. On the same occasion, the Chennai chapter of the All India Men¡¯s Welfare Association (AIMWA) submitted a memorandum to the government, calling for the creation of a Men¡¯s Welfare Ministry, a National Commission for Men, and gender-neutral legislation.

In 2018, the welfare and charitable trust Avijan organised a protest in Kolkata, demanding gender-neutral laws, a Men¡¯s Commission, the repeal of Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code, and stricter measures against the misuse of rape laws.

In 2019, a #HealthyHim campaign was launched in partnership with Aster Hospitals and Regal Hospital in Bangalore to spread awareness about prostate cancer. Similar awareness initiatives were held in 2017 and 2018, including a bike rally in Nandi Hills and events involving over 40,000 participants.

The Daaman Welfare Society & Trust, another prominent NGO under the Save Indian Family Movement, also marks IMD annually. In 2019, it organised a day-long event at Rave 3 Mall in Kanpur to promote awareness about men¡¯s issues. Discussions during the event highlighted the need for a National Men¡¯s Commission.

Significance of International Men¡¯s Day

International Men¡¯s Day is not just about celebrating men¡¯s contributions; it also aims to create awareness about the challenges they face. From mental health struggles to societal stereotypes, this day offers an opportunity to discuss and address these concerns. Unlike International Women¡¯s Day, IMD is not officially recognised by the United Nations but is widely celebrated worldwide.

Wishes and Quotes for International Men¡¯s Day

To celebrate this day, you can share heartfelt wishes and inspiring quotes with the men in your life. Here are some examples:

• Bro, you truly stand out as the most incredible man I¡¯ve ever known. Whether it¡¯s in school, work, or dealing with life¡¯s challenges, your constant support has been my rock. Happy Men¡¯s Day!
• Sending warm wishes on Men¡¯s Day to my favourite person. I can¡¯t imagine facing life¡¯s ups and downs without you by my side. You¡¯ve made everything so much easier, bestie. Thank you!
• Happy Men¡¯s Day to my best mate! I hope today brings you good luck, and may you always receive the best wishes to support you in all life¡¯s challenges ahead.
• While people say men are the backbone of their families, I sometimes wonder if that applies to you. Just joking! Happy Men¡¯s Day, my friend.
• I have so much respect for you, an amazing man. Your presence in my life as the most incredible person fills me with gratitude. I only wish every man I know could be as brilliant as you. Happy Men¡¯s Day, best mate!
• A big cheer to all the men working hard to achieve their dreams. May all your struggles bear fruit, and may you conquer your goals without fear. Happy World Men¡¯s Day!
• Men are the unsung heroes of society. They take on roles as brothers, fathers, friends, and husbands, always giving without expecting much in return. Happy Men¡¯s Day to all these selfless heroes!
• A man is one of God¡¯s finest creations. Wishing you a Happy Men¡¯s Day!
• You¡¯re an amazing man, both inside and out. Marrying you was the best decision I¡¯ve ever made. Warm wishes to you on Men¡¯s Day.
• Wishing you success, joy, and prosperity this Men¡¯s Day. Hope you have a wonderful celebration!
• Happy International Men¡¯s Day! Thank you for your strength, kindness, and contributions to society.
• A real man isn¡¯t measured by his strength but by his kindness. Let¡¯s celebrate the wonderful men around us today!

International Men¡¯s Day is an essential reminder of the need for gender balance and recognition of everyone¡¯s contributions. By celebrating the positive impact of men and addressing their challenges, we take a step closer to creating a fairer, more inclusive world.

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