Raise awareness
of men's health
International Mens Day
every 19 November
International Men’s Day focuses on improving gender relations and highlighting the importance of bringing up good male role models from all backgrounds and ages. It looks at addressing problems like parenting, families and good health choices.
The United Nations and Dads4Kids are among many organisations that are supportive of International Men’s Day and its causes. They recognise the importance of observing the progress men have made through many different kinds of contributions throughout history.
Working together with women has also helped make all sorts of key advances in educational, technological, social and other ways that have shaped a better, ever-growing world.
The theme for International Men’s Day 2018 is ‘Positive Male Role Models’. The premature loss of a father or grandfather causes great suffering for children. Many children will go to bed tonight without saying goodnight to their father as their father is not there. This year IMD will focus on the positive impact a father or male role model can have on boys. It’s hard to believe that even in households where the father is present they spend less than 10 minutes a day one on one with their child!
In order to give young boys the best start in life there are specific areas that need to be addressed. Life expectancy is an alarming one, as they live shorter lives and commit suicide more often than girls and that’s why raising the importance of men’s health is so very important.
Areas like education also need to be tackled. More and more studies are showing that females are out-performing males in school. Skipping school and low literacy rates are also a problem, so the underlying reasons needed to be weeded out and solved.
Education also needs to be tackled. More and more studies are showing that females are out-performing males in school. Skipping school and low literacy rates are also a problem, so the underlying reasons needed to be weeded out and solved.
We also need to have a good look at violence. In school we are all discouraged from fighting yet boys are sent off to fight in adult wars. Violence is not something that should be taught and young men should feel supported.
So what will be happening on International Men’s Day? Well, there will be a lot of testosterone flying around, for a start! Everything I’ve mentioned here plus much more will be discussed and celebrated through various public activities, workshops and group gatherings.
Make a mental note to remember the day and pay a compliment to a special male in your life. It will make them feel appreciated and give you a boost for putting a smile on their face!
It’s also worth remembering that Movember also takes place in November and its purpose is to change the face of men’s health. Another important day that links in with International Men’s Health Day is Universal Children’s Day, which takes place on 20 November each year.