International Men’s Day

International Men’s Day is celebrated annually on the 19th of November. International Men’s Days focuses on raising awareness on discrimination and men’s health. It also highlights the role that the men play in the society, impacting positively their families, the communities and the world. The month of November is considered a masculine month to be able to celebrate the impact that the men have and them being a role model to the society. The theme for International Men's Day this year is Positive Male Role Models. International Men’s Day corresponds with Movember where men grow their facial hair especially the moustache to raise awareness on men’s mental health, suicide prevention and prostate cancer.

International Men’s Day is rarely celebrated or maybe not so many people know about it. Men have been raised to be ‘macho’, to be overly aggressive, to be self-reliant, not showing emotions and be able to provide, protect and defend their families. In recent incidents, the percentage of men committing suicide increases day by day. Today I encourage all the men out there, it is normal to feel pain, it is normal to cry, to be hurt, to want to be loved, and there is no shame in it.

Celebrating this day, focusing on the theme: Positive Role Models, men play a very critical role in society. Men play a key role in achieving gender equality. Positive masculinity builds the understanding of the need to have gender equality and dismantle patriarchy. They come first when it comes to ending violence against women and girls. Men bring a sense of security in society. They are providers in our normal family settings. The men who are out their day and night to provide for their families, to ensure their families are well taken care of (immediate and extended). Men also play the key role of fatherly figure and advisors to the society. I appreciate the ‘single dads’ who raise families on their own. Men play the role of mentorship in the society. Mentoring their children, supporting them through education, help them define their career paths, supporting them on start-up businesses and what is expected of them by the society.

Recognizing the efforts and the achievements of men, this year men are encouraged to teach the young boys to be responsible and be role models in future. I appreciate the men who take the courage to speak out about what they are going through, being able to battle sickness and still manage to put the family together, those who have experienced gender-based violence. Everything that the men have been through, the contribution, the sacrifice and your voice, you are appreciated.