International Men's Day

November 19, Wednesday

International Men's Day is an annual event celebrated on November 19th in many countries around the world. It is a day dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the positive contributions that men make to society, their families, and their communities. The event also aims to promote awareness of men's health and well-being, improve gender relations, and highlight positive male role models.

History and Origins
International Men's Day was inaugurated in 1999 by Dr. Jerome Teelucksingh, a history lecturer at the University of the West Indies in Trinidad and Tobago. He chose November 19th to honor his father's birthday and to celebrate how ordinary men contribute to their communities. Since then, the observance has gained global traction, with events and activities taking place in over 80 countries.

Objectives of International Men's Day
The celebration is guided by six key pillars that aim to:

* Promote positive male role models
* Celebrate men’s positive contributions to society
* Focus on men’s health and well-being
* Highlight discrimination against men
* Improve gender relations and promote gender equality
* Create a safer, better world where people can reach their full potential

Activities and Observances
International Men's Day is marked by a variety of events and initiatives, including:

* Educational forums and panel discussions
* Health fairs and screenings focused on issues like prostate cancer, mental health, and suicide prevention
* Community service projects and volunteerism
* School programs that encourage respectful gender relations and highlight male role models
* Media campaigns that challenge stereotypes and promote positive masculinity

Global Recognition
While not a public holiday in most countries, International Men's Day is officially recognized and supported by governments, educational institutions, and non-governmental organizations in many parts of the world. Countries such as Australia, India, the United Kingdom, the United States, and South Africa observe the day with various levels of public engagement.

Relation to Other Observances
International Men's Day is distinct from International Women’s Day, which is celebrated on March 8th. It is also different from November’s "Movember" campaign, although both share a focus on men’s health. Together, these observances contribute to a broader dialogue about gender issues and the importance of health and well-being for all.

International Men's Day continues to grow in prominence as more people recognize the importance of addressing the challenges men face while celebrating their achievements and contributions.

International Men's Day – days left: 35. Create Countdown to Event

International Men's Day in other years

2021 November 19, Friday
2022 November 19, Saturday
2023 November 19, Sunday
2024 November 19, Tuesday
2026 November 19, Thursday

International Men's Day in other countries