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International Men’s Day was founded in 1999 by Dr Jerome Teelucksingh, a history lecturer at University of the West Indies in Trinidad Tabago. Teelucksingh aims were to “strive for gender equality and patiently attempt to remove the negative images and stigma associated with men in our society.”
There are Six Pillars that define International Men’s Day and its objectives. They are:
With these pillars in mind, we can begin to think about how we can do little things to celebrate and join in on this day but there are few things to consider.
We cannot remove the negative images and stigma associated with men in our lives and society if we first don’t confront and acknowledge them. Unfortunately, the vast majority of violence and harassment that takes place in our society comes from men. For example, in the year ending March 2022, approximately 548,000 males were arrested in comparison to 96,000 females for offences in England and Wales. Society also favors men, giving men more opportunities in life and holding women back from potentially achieving the same things. This can be seen when we look at how many women are in high level posts such a CEOs and Senior Management and in politics. So, to remove the negative images of men and be better role models, we must work together to be men that are fighting for a fairer future for all. Keeping in line with the theme of “Helping Men and Boys”, what can men do to help one another in being the role models and positive members of society that we ought to be?
As men, it’s important to understand that there are many things within our immediate control that we can do to help make the world a fairer and safer place. We can truly live up to the expectations and the goal of being a good man but to do this we need to remove all things toxic about masculinity from the equation. Certain traits that we now see as toxic, were once considered the guidelines on how to be manly. This includes risk-taking behaviours such as gambling and driving dangerously, being violent towards others and being self-reliant without showing emotions and sensitivity. These expectations have been placed on men due to the patriarchy (a system of society in which men largely hold the power) and it is only in recent years are we starting to recognise that the system in place by men harms not only women, but many men too.
Have a think about how you can do your part in the campaign and help men and boys in your life. You may go on to read some feminist literature, have a conversation with other men in your life or become aware of your own privilege. Working on ourselves and advocating for a fairer and more just society will benefit all, men and boys included.
For more information visit: https://internationalmensday.com/