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International Men's Day

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International Men's Day
Observed byOrganisations in Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, Australia, India, United States, Singapore, United Kingdom, Malta, South Africa and United Nations
TypeCivil awareness day
Men and boys day
Anti-sexist day
DateNovember 19th
Related toFather's Day, Men's World Day, International Women's Day

International Men's Day is an international event celebrated on November 19 every year. It was inaugurated in 1999 in Trinidad and Tobago and was supported by the United Nations[1], and received in principal support from men's groups in USA, Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean.[2] Speaking on behalf of UNESCO, Director of Women and Culture of Peace Ms. Ingeborg Breines said of IMD: “This is an excellent idea and would give some gender balance.” She added that UNESCO was looking forward to cooperating with IMD organisers.[1]

The objectives of celebrating an International Men's Day include focusing on men's and boy's health, improving gender relations, promoting gender equality, and highlighting positive male role models.[2][3][4] It is an occasion for men to highlight discrimination against them and to celebrate their achievements and contributions, in particular for their contributions to community, family, marriage, and child care.[5][6][3][7][8]

International Men's Day is celebrated in Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, Australia, India, United States, Singapore, United Kingdom, Malta, and South Africa on November 19, and global support for the celebration is broad.[2]

History

Early background

Calls for an International Men's Day have been noted since at least the 1960's when it was reported that "Many men have been agitating privately to make Feb 23 International Men's Day, the equivalent of March 8, which is International Women's day"[9] In the early 1990's organizations in Kansas USA[10], Europe[11] and Australia[12] held small events under the inspiration and invitation of Professor Thomas Oaster who directed the Missouri Center for Men's Studies at the University of Missouri Kansas.[13] Oaster successfully organized these events in 1994, but his following attempt in 1995 was poorly attended and he ceased plans to continue the event in subsequent years.[14] Whilst the Australians also ceased to observe the event again until November 19 2003, the Maltese Association for Men's Rights[15] continued to observe the event each year in February but decided to shift the date to November 19 in synchrony with all other countries celebrating on a single date.[16]

Trinidad and Tobago

Citizens in Trinidad and Tobago were the first to suggest IMD on the 19th November, 1999. The event was conceived and coordinated by Dr. Jerome Teelucksingh from the University of West Indies at the Families in Action headquarters in Newtown, Port of Spain. In following years the event was jointly coordinated by Dr. Teelucksingh and Harrack Balramsingh, Chairman of Citizens for a Better Trinidad and Tobago (CBTT). The idea of celebrating an International Men's Day received written support from U.N. officials in UNESCO and the event has continued to be celebrated annually in Trinidad and Tobago and other countries since its beginning.[17][18][19][20]

Jamaica

Jamaicans held an inaugural IMD observation on November 19 2001 with a church service at Northgate Family Church in Ocho Rios, an educational session with male students at Ferncourt High School, and public forum at Brown's Town Community College. Keynote speaker at the event was Luciano who talked on the theme of 'Today's Man, Tomorrow's Future'. A special theme of the event was discussions on men's sexual health and reproduction. Nurse Bunnaman of the Beth Jacobs Family Planning Clinic in St. Ann's Bay told The Star Newspaper "This is the first time that Jamaica will be observing International Men's Day. It was started in Trinidad in 1999. This year it will be observed in Kenya, Tanzania, Norway, Brazil, Germany, Britain and the United States of America as well".[21] Educational sessions about men's sexual health and reproduction were held the Beth Jacobs Clinic, where medical check-ups and testicular checks were given free of charge.[22]

Australia

Australians have celebrated IMD on 19 November since 2003,[23][24] when Phil Gouldson of Men's Health and Wellbeing Association ACT (MHWA) launched the inaugural event after receiving an invitation by Trinidad and Tobago's Harrack Balramsingh to join in the event.[2][3] Australians consider this a very significant date marking the sinking of the cruiser HMAS Sydney during the Second World War, therefore commemorating the largest loss of life in battle on any one day with the death of 645 men off the coast of Geraldton in Western Australia.[25]In Canberra, 2004, Mr. Gouldson asked men in Australia to meet the challenge and wear a red rose for IMD and for women and families to buy the men in their life flowers. He said a red rose is worn by men on IMD as a symbol of strength of character and courage, and as it is unusual to see men being given flowers so it is a good way to highlight the occasion.[26]

One of the promoted themes for the celebration of IMD in Australia is "honour and sacrifice", particularly as this date coincides with the loss of HMAS Sydney with all hands.[25] According to Australian Dads4Kids Organization the ability to sacrifice one's needs on behalf of others is fundamental to manhood and therefore to International Men's Day: "men make sacrifices everyday in their place of work, in their role as husbands and fathers, for their families, for their friends, for their communities and for their nation."[25]

In 2004, Michael Flood, a pro-feminist academic wrote an open letter affirming his support for men's health improvement, active fatherhood, and violence exposure and prevention, but criticising the basis of the 'Mens Health and Wellbeing Association' IMD campaign, which he felt was misguided and potentially "anti feminist"; he argued there were already sufficient opportunities to work on men's issues (citing Father's Day and Men's Health Week), but conceded although there were some gender inequalities that it was 'simplistic' to claim (as some women had) that every other day was men's day already.[27] Phil Gouldson of the Men's Health and Wellbeing Association expressed disappointment and bewilderment that Flood did not wish to participate, outlining the reasons why it was socially benificial; he dismissed Flood's argument that there were already occasions to celebrate men and boys in society, pointing out that boys and men are often not fathers, and that Men’s Health Week concentrates on men's claimed inadequacies for not managing their health better. Gouldson summarised that Flood's letter "re-inforced our belief in the need for International Men's Day to be observed and celebrated".[28]

India

Indian Men's rights organisation Save Indian Family have joined in with an inaugural celebration of IMD on 19 November, 2007.[29] As a first step it accepted 19 November as (Indian) International Men's Day based on the fact that cricket rivals Australians and West Indies (Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago) were already doing it. The event was again celebrated in India in 2008, and plans have been made to continue the celebration annually.[30]

United States

In 2001 a number of organizations in The United States joined in celebrating IMD on 19 November.[31] In 2008 International Men’s Day was supported by the Malachi Global Foundation (MGF) in Michigan.[32] U.S. author and speaker on men's issues Diane Sears states that United States President Abraham Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address on November 19 1863 in which he called for the honoring and remembrance of the contributions of the men who sacrificed their lives during America’s Civil War, and suggests that since International Men’s Day also falls on November 19 it is a time we may likewise continue to observe, honor and remember of the contributions and sacrifices men make for society.[33]

United Kingdom

In the United Kingdom University of Kent students celebrated International Men's Day at Mungos Bistro on the university campus on November 19. This event was organized and coordinated by the Kent University student organization 'Raise and Give' (or RAG as it is better known). RAG is Kent Union's charitable arm located in the Student Activities Center which raises money for various charities each year. Activities for IMD night included live soccer coverage of England v Germany, comedy acts and live music from student band "Clacket Lane". There was a raffle, a guitar hero competition and an X-box tournament to raise money. About 300 people attended with roughly equal numbers of males and females. All proceeds raised went to ORCHID a charity for all male cancers, including prostate, penile or testicular cancer.[34]

Singapore

In 2008 a November 19-21 IMD event was organized in Singapore. The Adam Association organised a forum - Definition of a Man- which identified various problems men face at home such as communication issues, and how to overcome them. Held in Malay, speakers included Dr Maliki Osman, Parliamentary Secretary for National Development, and staff members from the Registry of Marriages. The forum was open to the public for free and was held at the Darussalam mosque along Commonwealth Avenue West. Another event, also part of International Men's Day, was the Admiralty Baby Genius and Kids' Fashion contest, held on Sunday at Woodlands. Jointly organised by Adam Association and Ace the Place Community Club Management Committee, activities included a diaper-changing contest for fathers.[35]

Malta

International Men's Day has been celebrated in Malta by the Association for Men's Rights since 1994.[36] AMR founder and director Dr. John Zammit conceived the event which has been held yearly in the form of a dinner, lunch or reception for AMR members and public. On this occasion awards are given to individuals who have made distinctive contributions men's rights such as, for example, efforts made by committee members, "for the removal of the impediment of departure which we had on men in separation/divorce cases. Before 1995 all men who had problems with their wives in Malta, be it Maltese or foreigners, could not leave the island while their case was still in court and so were imprisoned in Malta."[37][38] The Malta event has traditionally been observed on February 7 since 1994, making it the longest running local IMD observation in the world. As the February date is not celebrated by other participating countries and did not qualify as an internationally observed date, discussions were undertaken within the Maltese Association for Men's Rights, and on January 17 2009 the committee voted unanimously to shift their celebrations to November 19 to coincide with all the others around the world.[39]

South Africa

Positive Men’s Movement of South Africa (POMESA)[40] in partnership with South African Network of People Living with HIV and AIDS (NAPWA)[41] organized the first Annual International Men’s Day event. The event was held on the 6th of December 2008 and involved a Men’s March for peace and justice from taxi rank to the national men's rally venue which is Rabasotho hall in Thembisa township, Ekurhuleni, Gauteng. 3000 to 5000 (thousand) men attended from all provinces of the South Africa. Speakers in the event included the national government officials, national leadership of POMESA and NAPWA, and civil society, and included an Annual Men’s Awards event to honor three outstanding men who have or and continue to contribute positively in the creation of peaceful and just society.[42][43]

In 2008 POMESA and NAPWA celebrated IMD on the December 6.[44] As the December date was not celebrated by other participating countries, discussions were undertaken within both organizations and in May 2009 the Secretary General of NAPWA and POMESA Nkululeko Nxesi announced that the National Boards of both organizations have agreed to celebrate the Men's day on the same dates with other countries beginning on November 19 2009 and in each year thereafter on the same date.[45]

Observation

According to its creators International Men’s Day is a time for men to highlight discrimination against them in areas of health, family law, education, media or other areas and to project their positive contributions and achievements.[2] During past years the method of commemorating International Men's Day included public seminars, classroom activities at schools, radio and television programs, peaceful displays and marches, debates, panel discussions, and art displays.[2][46] The manner of observing this annual day is optional, and any appropriate forums can be used. Early pioneers of IMD reminded that the day is not intended to compete against International Woman's Day, but is for the purpose of highlighting men's experiences.[47] Each year a different theme is highlighted, such as peace in 2002, men’s health in 2003, or healing and forgiveness in 2007.[2][48] In consultation with organizers from other nations, Australian IMD coordinator Phil Gouldson has outlined the following broad objectives of International Men’s Day:

  • Celebrate manhood and the wonderful positive and valuable contributions our men, young men, and boys make to our communities and to our societies
  • Promote and Support gender equality, encouraging men to address responsibly and positively the challenges facing them in society
  • Demonstrate strength of character and courage in meeting the challenges that men face in society and in contributing to building stronger and better communities, where people can be safe and grow to reach their full potential.[8]

According to Mens Activism News Network International Men's Day also interfaces with 'Movember' - a worldwide moustache growing charity event held during November each year that raises funds and awareness for men's health, one of the key themes promoted on IMD.[49][50] It also interfaces with Universal Children's Day on Nov 20 and forms a 48 hour celebration firstly of men, then children respectively, with a recognition of the bonds between them.[51]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b 'UNESCO comes out in Support of International Men's Day', Article Trinidad Guardian Nov 20, 2001
  2. ^ a b c d e f g November 19th - International Men's Day. Press Release by Harrack Balramsingh of CBTT, 20th May 2003
  3. ^ a b c International Men’s Day – Do we care? (2004) Press Release from Men's Health & Wellbeing Association (MHWA) ACT
  4. ^ Join in Celebrating International Men's Day, by Harrack Balramsingh- Letter to the Editor Cayman Net News 13 Nov, 2001
  5. ^ International Men's Day on Nov 19 to highlight plight of men, (2007) Outlook India [1]
  6. ^ Nov 19 Marks National Men's Day, Editorial Malaysian International News Agency 2007.[2]
  7. ^ Red Roses for your Blokes - It'll raise Their self esteem. Article- The Canberra Times 6th November 2004
  8. ^ a b Celebrating International Men's Day - Men's Health and Wellbeing Association, background and objectives 19th Nov 2005
  9. ^ Armed Forces Day in Soviet Marked by Rhetoric and Parties; Article, (February 24, 1969) in New York Times
  10. ^ Around Kansas City - International Men's Day Conference, Kansas City Star p.2, 1993-02-04
  11. ^ IMD in Malta - IMD Global Website [3]
  12. ^ IMD in Sydney 1994 - IMD Global Website [4]
  13. ^ Tom Oaster, International Men's Day - RSVP, published by Cummings and Hathaway 1993
  14. ^ Men's Conference a Flop. St Petersburg Times Feb 10 1995
  15. ^ Malta Association for Men's Rights [5]
  16. ^ IMD in Malta - IMD Global Website [6]
  17. ^ 'UWI student hosts seminar', by Roger D Ramcharitar, Nov 19, (1999) Newsday editorial
  18. ^ 'Tomorrow is International Men's Day', Nov 18 (2000) Newsday article
  19. ^ International Men’s Day observed for the 4th consecutive year in TT, CBTT Article Nov 20, 2002 [7]
  20. ^ ‘Addicts need treatment, not jail’ Article- The Trinidad Guardian 29 Nov 2007 [8]
  21. ^ Luciano to speak at International Men's Day function, Article in the Jamaica Gleaner, p.5 Nov 19 2001
  22. ^ Luciano to speak at International Men's Day function, Article in the Jamaica Gleaner Nov 19 2001
  23. ^ Blokes, it is your turn to celebrate. Article - Canberra Times 20 Nov 2003 [9]
  24. ^ Red Roses for your Blokes - It'll raise Their self esteem. Article- The Canberra Times 6th November 2004
  25. ^ a b c Dads4Kids Organization Australia [10]
  26. ^ Article- 'Manly respect blooms if you give those blokes a rose', The Canberra Times, November 19th 2004
  27. ^ Flood, M., (2004) International Men’s Day: An open letter of rejection. Published online, retrieved 10th November 2008 [11]
  28. ^ Gouldson, P., (2004) Reply to Dr. M. Flood from the Men's Health and Wellbeing Association (MHWA) 5 November 2004 [12]
  29. ^ November 19 to be International Men's day : Hindustan Times News,(article) 2007
  30. ^ International Men's Day – 19 November, 2008, Press Release of Save the Indian Family, Thursday, 13 November 2008
  31. ^ Men's Day observance well attended. Press Release (2001), Citizens for a Better trinidad and Tobago
  32. ^ International Men's day Celebrations in the U.S., (2008) Press Release by Australian Fatherhood Foundation.
  33. ^ D.A. Sears- Why International Men's Day is So Important, (2008)
  34. ^ University of Kent Raise and Give newsletter, November 2008 [13]
  35. ^ International Men's Day, article in The Electric New Paper News (Nov 2008)
  36. ^ International Men's Day: Malta [14]
  37. ^ International Men's Day: Malta [15]
  38. ^ Men's Rights Association (Malta) For True Gender Equality [16]
  39. ^ International Men's Day: Malta [17]
  40. ^ Positive men’s movement of South Africa [18]
  41. ^ Network of Africa People Living with HIV and AIDS for Southern Africa Region [19]
  42. ^ International Mensday Global Website- South Africa [20]
  43. ^ International Men's Day NAPWA and POMESA [21]
  44. ^ International Men's Day NAPWA and POMESA [22]
  45. ^ International Mensday Global Website- South Africa [23]
  46. ^ Jerome Teelucksingh - 'International Men's Day', article in Transitions: A Journal of Men's Perspectives. Vol 27, No.4 p.11 (2007)
  47. ^ CBTT co-hosts 2nd International Men's Day, CBTT News Archives [24]
  48. ^ Jerome Teelucksingh - 'International Men's Day', article in Transitions: A Journal of Men's Perspectives. Vol 27, No.4 p.11 (2007)
  49. ^ Men's Activism News Network. Press Release Dec 2008
  50. ^ International Men's Day global website [25]
  51. ^ International Men's Day global website [26]
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