Nov 19th: International Men's Day

International Men’s Day is recognised on the 19th November, it is marked in around 80 countries worldwide and provides an opportunity to consider some of the issues that may affect men in particular and the ways in which we can support their wellbeing. It also focuses on men’s health, improving gender relations, highlighting male role models, and promoting positive expressions of masculinity. It’s also an opportunity to recognize men who don’t fall into traditional manifestations of masculinity,

It’s generally accepted that men can find it more difficult than women to address issues relating to their physical or mental wellbeing and are less likely to seek help. For example, men are less likely to visit to visit their GP or pharmacy than women (www.menshealthforum.org.uk) and research shows that only 50% of men feel comfortable discussing mental health issues (BITC, Mental Health at Work Report 2017).

International Men’s Day is a great opportunity for you to:

• Highlight some of the social issues than men and boys face
• Make a difference for the men and boys in your community
• Celebrate men and boys in all their diversity
• Have some serious fun

This year, International Men’s Day will be held on Thursday 19th November 2020, though many people will hold their activities and celebrations before or after the main event.

While there are huge variety of ways you can mark International Men’s Day, most celebrations share one or more of the following objectives:

• Valuing male role models
• Acknowledging the contribution of men and boys
• Improving male health
• Tackling discrimination and disadvantage
• Fostering positive gender relations
• Making the world a safer place for everyone

If you want to get people Talking About Men on International Men's Day on Monday 19th November, but don't know what to say, then why not share one of these messages on social media? 

Message 1: Happy International Men's

Start with an easy message, by simply wishing the men and boys you know and care about, a Happy International Men's Day.

Message 2: Let's Talk Men's Issues

Encourage people to talk about men and boys by inviting them to #BreakTheSilence. Remember, talking men's issues isn't an everyday conversation so it may take some encouragement to get people talking.

Message 3: Yes, We Need an International Men's Day

Maybe people don't understand why we need an International Men's Day and if that's the case then you could share this message with them.

Message 4: International Men's Day is for Everyone

Some people can feel left out, while some try to exclude others who are different from them in some way. If this is the case, invite people to reflect on the idea that International Men's Day is for Everyone.

Message 5: Men Can Talk

Don't believe anyone who tells you men don't talk, that's a gender stereotype. Men can and will talk, particularly when someone is willing to listen, so make sure you people who are interested in #TalkingAboutMen that you are ready to listen.

Message 6: Celebrate Male Role Models

International Men's Day isn't just about highlighting the issues that men and boys face, it's also about focusing on men's strengths and celebrating male role models. Be sure to tell the men and boys in your life why they are important to you.

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