International Men’s Day 2024: Origin, significance… all you need to know

November 19, marks the International Men’s Day (IMD), a day dedicated to highlighting the positive values men bring to families, communities, and the world.

The theme for 2024, “Positive Male Role Models,” encourages men to teach the boys in their lives the values, character and responsibilities of being a man in order to create a fair and safe society that allows everyone the opportunity to prosper.

Why Positive Role Models Matter  

Imagine a young boy growing up surrounded by vices and wrong values, without anyone to serve as a positive guide. It is likely that he will view these negative behaviours as normal and continue on that path as he matures into adulthood, influencing others along the way. This highlights the critical need for positive role models, whose presence or absence can have a trans-generational impact.

Positive male role models play a important role in shaping the character and future of young boys, encouraging them to grow into compassionate, responsible men. These role models show that strength is not about dominance but about resilience, empathy, and service to others.

The call for positive male role models on International Men’s Day 2024 is especially timely in this digital era, where individuals are constantly exposed to a plethora of negative influences, from celebrities to social media influencers.

Boys and men need examples to emulate, especially in a world where stereotypes often misrepresent what it means to be a man. Whether it’s a father who nurtures his children, a mentor who inspires through leadership, or a friend who listens and supports, these figures demonstrate the values needed for a balanced and fair society.

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Addressing Men’s Health Challenges  

International Men’s Day has also shed light on the serious health challenges men face, which often go unnoticed. According to a fact sheet by IMD

• Men are three times more likely to die by suicide than women.
• One in three men have experienced domestic violence.
• On average, men die 4–5 years earlier than women.
• Men are nearly twice as likely to suffer from lung cancer and heart disease.

These facts call for attention, as men and boys, just like women and girls, are a very important demographic, and their health and welfare are crucial for healthy family living. However, addressing these concerns requires collective effort. By prioritising men’s health and encouraging open discussions around health and well-being, stronger, saner, and healthier communities can be built.

The Origin of International Men’s Day  

Although not officially recognised by the United Nations, Internal Men’s Day was founded in 1992 by Dr. Jerome Teelucksingh, a scholar from Trinidad and Tobago. Dr. Teelucksingh envisioned a day to celebrate men’s contributions to society while addressing challenges such as health, abuse, homelessness, suicide, and violence.

Over the years, the International Men’s Day movement have grown, inspiring discussions and initiatives worldwide.  IMD is a reminder of the importance of appreciating the men in our lives and the contributions they make to society. It’s a chance for all people, regardless of gender, to come together in solidarity, fostering a world where everyone can thrive.