International Men's Day | When and how is it celebrated?

In a world where gender equality has become a central topic of discussion and action, it is important to recognize that the fight for equality is not just about women. Men also play a crucial role in this process. Men's Day, celebrated on November 19 in many countries, is an occasion to reflect on masculinity in contemporary society, explore the challenges men face and promote gender equality in all its forms.

The Origin of Men's Day

The origin of Men's Day dates back to 1992, when Thomas Oaster, a professor at the University of Missouri-Kansas, proposed the idea of establishing a day dedicated to celebrating masculinity and addressing specific issues facing men in society. Oaster noted that while there were numerous celebrations and events aimed at recognizing women's achievements and challenges, there was not enough attention paid to the experiences and concerns of men.

The date chosen to commemorate Men's Day, November 19, coincides with the International Day of the Rights of the Child, which further highlights the importance of male roles in the upbringing and development of children. Since its creation, this celebration has sought to promote the health and well-being of men, as well as address issues such as fatherhood, mental health, gender violence and stereotypes of masculinity.

The fundamental purpose of Men's Day is to raise awareness about the specific challenges men face in contemporary society and promote gender equality in all its forms. While men have historically been assumed to occupy positions of power and privilege, it is important to recognize that they also face social pressures and expectations that can be detrimental to their health and emotional well-being.

Through Men's Day, we seek to encourage open dialogue on topics that are often taboo in society, such as men's mental health, their participation in raising children and their ability to express emotions in a healthy way. By recognizing and addressing these issues, we aim to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all genders, where each person can reach their full potential without being limited by restrictive gender norms.

Challenges Men Face

While it is true that men have historically held privileged positions in many societies, it is also important to recognize that they face specific challenges and social pressures that often go unnoticed. One of the main challenges is that of masculinity standards that impose unrealistic expectations on how men should behave and express themselves.

These standards of masculinity can contribute to mental health problems, such as depression and suicide, as men may feel pressure to hide their emotions and seek help. Additionally, men are more likely to suffer workplace accidents and have higher rates of addictions, such as alcoholism and drug abuse.

Fatherhood is also an area where men face unique challenges. Although progress has been made in recognizing the importance of fathers' involvement in raising children, cultural and social barriers still persist that can make it difficult for men to take an active role in raising children.

Promoting Gender Equality

Men's Day is not just about highlighting the issues men face, but also about promoting gender equality in all its forms. This includes advocating for an end to gender-based discrimination, for both men and women, and working to create a world where everyone has equal opportunities and rights, regardless of their gender.

An important way to promote gender equality is to challenge traditional gender roles that limit both men and women. This means encouraging greater diversity of gender expression and encouraging people to be authentic to themselves, without being forced to adhere to pre-established norms about how they should behave or what interests they should have based on their gender.

Furthermore, it is essential to address gender-based violence in all its forms, including violence against men. Often, men who are victims of violence may have difficulty seeking help due to the social stigma associated with being considered "weak" or "less masculine." It is important to recognize that no one deserves to be a victim of violence and that everyone deserves support and protection.

Celebrating Male Diversity

Celebrating masculine diversity is an act of recognition and appreciation of the multiplicity of experiences, identities and expressions that make up masculinity. Since its inception, Men's Day has sought not only to address the specific challenges men face in society, but also to celebrate the richness and complexity of what it means to be a man.

In a world where gender stereotypes can limit people's freedom and authenticity, it is essential to recognize that masculinity is not a static or uniform concept, but rather encompasses a wide range of experiences and ways of being. From men who fulfill roles traditionally associated with strength and dominance, to those who actively challenge gender norms and advocate for a more inclusive and compassionate masculinity, each individual brings their own unique perspective to the concept of masculinity.

Celebrating male diversity also means recognizing and valuing the contributions of men of all races, ethnicities, sexual orientations, gender identities, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Every man, regardless of his origin or circumstances, has the right to be respected and recognized in his entirety as a person.