International Men's Day: History, Significance, Themes & Global Celebration

International Men's Day is an annual global observance held on November 19 every year. It is a day dedicated to highlighting the positive value men bring to their families, communities, and the world, while also raising awareness of the challenges and issues that men and boys face. This article provides a comprehensive look at International Men's Day – from its historical origins and evolving themes, to its significance in promoting men’s well-being, gender equality, and positive role models worldwide.

Historical Background of International Men's Day

International Men's Day (IMD) began as a small grassroots initiative and has grown into a global movement celebrated in over 80 countries today. The concept dates back decades: as early as the 1960s, people questioned why there was no equivalent to International Women’s Day for men. Early efforts included calls in the Soviet Union to mark February 23 as a men's day (since March 8 was celebrated as Women’s Day), and a 1968 news editorial in the U.S. noting it was "unwarranted discrimination" that men had no day of recognition.

The first attempt to inaugurate an International Men's Day took place on February 7, 1992, led by Thomas Oaster in Missouri, USA. However, after a few annual events, that early initiative lost momentum by the mid-1990s. The modern International Men's Day was relaunched on November 19, 1999 in Trinidad and Tobago by Dr. Jerome Teelucksingh, a history professor. Teelucksingh chose November 19 to honor his father's birthday and to commemorate a 1989 event when Trinidad and Tobago’s national football team united the country. Since then, November 19 has become the permanent date for International Men's Day around the world.

Dr. Teelucksingh emphasized that IMD is not intended as a rival to International Women’s Day, but as a day to address issues affecting men and boys and to promote gender equality. Unlike International Women’s Day, which is officially recognized by the United Nations, International Men's Day does not yet have UN recognition. Nonetheless, support for IMD has grown internationally through grassroots efforts and collaborations. Countries like Malta (which had observed a men's day since 1994) eventually shifted their celebrations to November 19 to align with the global date. By the 2010s, International Men's Day was observed by nations on every continent, making it a truly worldwide observance.

Importance and Purpose of International Men's Day in Contemporary Society

International Men's Day serves several important purposes in today’s society. The day is about celebrating the contributions of men in positive ways and shining a light on the issues they face. The organizers of IMD have articulated six core objectives (the "six pillars") of International Men's Day:

• Promote positive male role models: Highlighting men who lead decent, honest lives – not only celebrities or athletes, but everyday men who are positive examples in their communities.

• Celebrate men's contributions: Appreciating the various contributions of men to society, community, family, marriage, child care, and the environment.

• Focus on men's health and wellbeing: Drawing attention to men’s physical, mental, and emotional health, and encouraging them to seek help and care in these areas.

• Highlight discrimination against men: Addressing areas where men may face discrimination or disadvantages in social services, societal attitudes, expectations, or law.

• Improve gender relations and promote equality: Fostering better relations between genders and supporting gender equality for both women and men.

• Create a safer, better world for everyone: Emphasizing that by addressing men's issues and nurturing positive values, we work toward a world where everyone can reach their full potential.

These goals show that IMD is about inclusive progress – recognizing men’s experiences and contributions while working hand-in-hand with women's empowerment to achieve balanced, healthy societies. Advocates note that conversations about men's issues (such as mental health or fatherhood) ultimately benefit everyone by creating a more understanding and equitable society. International Men's Day, therefore, matters because it encourages open dialogue about gender and social issues from a male perspective, complementing ongoing efforts to support women and non-binary individuals. In contemporary society, this day helps to break down stereotypes (like the expectation for men to “just tough it out”) and instead promotes empathy, support, and positive masculinity.

Annual Themes and Global Participation in International Men's Day

Each year, International Men's Day is celebrated with a specific theme that highlights particular issues or aspects of men’s lives. These yearly themes help focus public attention and guide the events and discussions worldwide. For example, recent global IMD themes have included “Stop Male Suicide” (2016), emphasizing the crisis of male suicide rates, “Positive Male Role Models” (2018), “Better Health for Men and Boys” (2020), “Better Relations Between Men and Women” (2021), and “Zero Male Suicide” (2023). The theme for International Men's Day 2025 is reported as “Celebrating Men and Boys”, with related initiatives focusing on supporting men and boys and preventing suicide. While the core pillars remain the same each year, these themes provide a fresh emphasis and call to action. For instance, the 2016 theme "Stop Male Suicide" drew attention to the fact that in almost every country, men have a significantly higher suicide rate than women (in some cases, up to six men for every woman) and lower life expectancies. In response, organizers urged governments and health organizations to acknowledge this health crisis and take action.

Global participation in International Men's Day has grown tremendously since its inception. Today, IMD is celebrated in at least 80 countries worldwide, from large nations like India and the United Kingdom to smaller countries and local communities. Around the world, a variety of events and activities mark the occasion: seminars and conferences on men's health and social issues, community projects and service campaigns, charity fundraisers, school activities, panel discussions, and media programs. Many organizations use the day to launch social media campaigns (for example, using hashtags like #InternationalMensDay) to spread positive messages about men and boys. In recent years, some countries have even seen government involvement – for instance, in the UK there have been debates in Parliament on IMD focusing on men's issues, and high-level endorsements of the day’s importance.

Local groups often adapt the yearly theme to their context. Corporations, charities, schools, and NGOs participate by hosting health screenings, award ceremonies recognizing inspirational men, father-child activities, or workshops on topics like mental health and gender equality. The growing global participation each November 19 shows a collective acknowledgement that men’s issues matter and that celebrating positive aspects of masculinity is beneficial for society.

Men's Mental Health and Well-Being Challenges

One of the most pressing focuses of International Men's Day in recent years has been men’s mental health and well-being. Across the world, men face particular challenges in this area: culturally, men are often less encouraged to discuss their emotions or seek help for mental health issues. This has led to troubling statistics – for example, men typically have a higher suicide rate than women in almost every country, despite often lower reported rates of depression. In some regions, male suicide rates are several times higher than female rates, highlighting a silent crisis that IMD seeks to bring into the open. Men also tend to have a shorter life expectancy than women globally (about 5 to 7 years shorter on average) due in part to health behaviors and lesser usage of health services. International Men's Day events frequently address these issues by encouraging men to prioritize self-care, seek support when needed, and by challenging the stigma around men’s mental illness or emotional vulnerability.

Every November 19, campaigns and discussions worldwide stress that "it's okay for men to talk and ask for help." This includes promoting awareness about mental health conditions, stress management, and the importance of supportive networks for men. Many IMD programs collaborate with initiatives like men’s helplines, mental health charities, or campaigns such as Movember (which also targets men's mental health and suicide prevention). The 2023 theme “Zero Male Suicide” and similar campaigns exemplify this focus, aiming to reduce suicide by urging communities and policymakers to invest in men’s mental well-being. On International Men's Day, you might find community workshops teaching coping skills, media articles sharing mental health resources for men, and personal stories of men overcoming depression or anxiety. By spotlighting these challenges on a global stage, IMD plays a crucial role in breaking the silence and encouraging a healthier, more supportive environment for men’s mental health.

Gender Equality and the Role of Men in Balanced Societies

International Men's Day advocates that true gender equality cannot be achieved without involving men and addressing men's issues alongside women's. The role of men in creating balanced, equitable societies is a key theme of the day. Rather than viewing gender issues as a competition, IMD emphasizes collaboration between genders. Men are encouraged to support women’s rights and women’s empowerment, while society also acknowledges areas where men face inequalities or pressures of their own. One of the six pillars of IMD is explicitly to improve gender relations and promote gender equality. This means encouraging mutual respect and understanding between men and women, and recognizing that many social problems (from domestic violence to workplace inequality) require the active participation of men in solutions.

On International Men's Day, participants often discuss how notions of masculinity can evolve in ways that support equality. For example, dismantling harmful stereotypes (such as the idea that caring for children is solely a woman's role) can liberate both men and women. Engaging men in conversations about parental leave, educational opportunities, and gender-based violence prevention benefits families and communities as a whole. Dr. Jerome Teelucksingh, the founder of IMD, noted that the movement’s activists “are striving for gender equality and [work to] remove the negative images and stigma associated with men in our society.”. This reflects a commitment to ensuring men are partners in achieving gender justice, rather than bystanders or opponents.

By highlighting positive involvement of men in traditionally "equalizing" roles – such as men championing women's leadership, or fathers supporting daughters’ ambitions – International Men's Day showcases how men’s engagement is essential for balanced societies. It also calls out inequalities that affect men (for example, biases in certain legal systems or education gaps) so that no one is left behind. In short, IMD’s message is that gender equality is not a zero-sum game; instead, uplifting men and addressing men's issues hand-in-hand with women’s issues helps create a fairer society for all.

Positive Male Role Models and Fatherhood

A celebratory aspect of International Men's Day is its focus on positive male role models and the importance of fatherhood and mentorship. Too often, public attention is drawn to negative behaviors or problems associated with men, but IMD deliberately shines a spotlight on men who lead by example in healthy, constructive ways. This could be a devoted father, a teacher mentoring at-risk boys, a community leader advocating for peace, or any man who inspires others through his actions and character. By showcasing positive examples, the IMD movement believes that boys and younger men will have better models to emulate, countering negative stereotypes. Research has suggested that “males of all ages respond much more energetically to positive role models than to negative stereotyping”, which is why celebrating good men is so powerful.

Fatherhood is often highlighted on International Men's Day as well. While there is a separate Father's Day in many countries, IMD provides an opportunity to talk about fathers’ broader roles in society and family throughout the year. Events might honor exemplary fathers or discuss the importance of involved fathering for children’s development. For instance, in Ghana the Fatherhood Initiative Foundation marked International Men's Day with events encouraging fathers to read to their children and be "instruments of positive influence". In other places, community groups have organized father-child activities, such as reading sessions, sports, or even fun contests (one Singapore IMD event featured a diaper-changing contest for dads!). These activities reinforce the idea that engaged, caring fathers and mentors are crucial for healthy families and communities.

Beyond just biological fatherhood, IMD celebrates men who play positive roles in children’s lives as teachers, uncles, coaches, or big brothers. The day recognizes that nurturing and guiding the next generation is a responsibility shared by men. By valuing compassion, responsibility, and kindness in male role models, International Men's Day aims to inspire more men to embody those qualities. This not only benefits boys and young men looking up to them, but society at large through the ripple effects of positive masculinity.

How International Men's Day is Celebrated Around the World

International Men's Day has truly global reach, and countries around the world celebrate it in diverse ways reflecting their local cultures and priorities. Here are some examples of how IMD is recognized worldwide:

• United Kingdom: The UK has embraced IMD with growing enthusiasm. What started as a student-organized event in 2008 has expanded to hundreds of events across the country each year. The day has seen support from government figures – for instance, the Prime Minister and members of Parliament have acknowledged IMD, and the Parliament has hosted debates on men’s issues on November 19. Activities in the UK range from charity fundraising for men’s health causes (such as prostate cancer or mental health charities) to conferences, school talks, and community meet-ups. In recent years, over 200 organizations and numerous local councils have participated, making IMD a significant date for promoting men's well-being and positive contributions..

• India: In India, International Men's Day began to gain traction in 2007, largely championed by men's rights and family advocacy groups. Since then, it has been observed annually with various events. Indian organizations use IMD to discuss issues like men's mental health, bias in legal matters, and the need for gender-neutral laws. For example, Indian activists have held seminars and rallies to raise awareness about men facing domestic violence or to call for a men’s commission in the government. The day is also marked by blood donation camps, health check-up camps for men, and social media campaigns in India encouraging men to talk about their feelings. The celebration in India underscores both cultural appreciation of men's roles and advocacy on serious issues affecting men.

• Australia and New Zealand: Australia was one of the early adopters that helped globalize IMD, resetting its observance to November 19 in 2003 and helping coordinate the international movement. In Australia, community organizations (like Dads4Kids and men's health groups) often hold events such as barbecues, public lectures, or even parliamentary gatherings to discuss men’s policy issues. New Zealand has similarly participated with community discussions on topics like men’s mental health, often led by local health organizations. Both countries integrate IMD into the broader context of November as a month for men's health awareness (with initiatives like Movember).

• United States: In the U.S., International Men's Day is not as widely recognized as in some other nations, but awareness is growing. A number of U.S. states and cities have officially proclaimed November 19 as International Men’s Day, including Pennsylvania, Virginia, New York, Florida, and others. Observances in America tend to be community-driven: some universities host IMD events focusing on issues like fatherhood and mental health, and various men’s organizations promote it through workshops or online campaigns. There are also panel discussions on topics such as the changing role of men in society and open forums that encourage men to share their experiences.

• Africa: Across Africa, more countries are joining in IMD observances. For instance, Tanzania and Botswana launched IMD celebrations focused on youth empowerment and addressing health issues. In Ghana, as mentioned, there have been formal events highlighting fatherhood and men’s positive influence in families. In South Africa, IMD often sparks conversations about violence prevention and men’s health (including HIV/AIDS awareness for men). Governments in countries like Seychelles have even officially recognized the day; in 2012 the Seychelles government celebrated IMD at a national level, acknowledging the need to address challenges faced by men and boys.

• Europe: Many European nations celebrate International Men's Day with their own flavor. Ireland, Malta, Hungary, Germany, and others have conferences or public events on this day. In Ukraine, Russia, and other Eastern European countries, November 19 IMD has partly replaced older men’s days (like Defender of the Fatherland Day) to put more focus on contemporary men's issues. France has seen creative observances such as charity events (e.g., a mustache-growing competition by a TV channel for IMD 2010) linking fun activities with serious causes. Overall in Europe, IMD is an occasion to discuss everything from men’s health screenings to father-friendly workplace policies.

• United Arab Emirates: In the UAE, International Men's Day is gaining recognition, particularly within workplaces, schools, and community organizations. Many companies and institutions use the occasion to celebrate men’s contributions to family, society, and professional life. Events often include wellness seminars, mental health awareness talks, and team appreciation activities. The day also supports the UAE’s broader goals around gender balance and social well-being.

Is International Men's Day a Holiday in the UAE?

International Men's Day is not an official public holiday in the UAE. However, it is increasingly recognized in workplaces, schools, and communities across the country. Many organizations use the day to appreciate male employees, host awareness talks, or promote men’s well-being, making it an important occasion even without formal holiday status.

Read Also : UAE National Day Holidays are December 1 and 2 for all sectors

Media coverage and public awareness of International Men's Day tend to increase each year, as more people recognize the value of a day that celebrates men in a positive, solution-oriented manner. While the specific activities vary widely – from riding cable cars for free in Hong Kong as a treat for men, to school essay competitions about male role models – the underlying message is consistent globally: appreciating the men in our lives and addressing the needs of men and boys.

Conclusion

International Men's Day has evolved from a modest proposal into a significant global observance. It provides a platform to celebrate the achievements and contributions of men, while also directly confronting issues like mental health, societal expectations, and gender disparities that affect men and boys. The day’s emphasis on themes such as health, equality, and positive role models shows that nurturing the well-being of men is not just beneficial for men themselves, but for families and societies at large. As the world marks International Men's Day each November 19, the hope is to foster dialogue and action that make our communities more inclusive, our gender relations more harmonious, and our understanding of masculinity more compassionate and positive. In doing so, we move towards a future where everyone – men, women, and all genders – can thrive together.