The International Men’s Day celebrated on November 19th of every year, is a day set aside to raise global awareness of different issues men face. More importantly, the day also celebrates men and highlights the positive value they add to their families, communities, and the world at large. This day is not to celebrate only the world recognized like movie stars, and sportsmen but also the everyday working-class men making decent and honest living.
This annual commemoration was first celebrated in Malta in the year 1992 and was pioneered by Thomas Oaster. Today, the International Men’s Day is being recognized in more than 58 countries.
Past years’ celebrations have been themed accordingly to achieve a targeted goal from the ‘positive role models’ in 2018 to the ‘Zero Male Suicide’ which is the 2023 theme.
Suicide is a tragic and sensitive issue that has been, unfortunately, growing over the years. According to the World Health Organisation, every year, over 700 000 deaths per year occur due to suicide. And even more alarming is the fact that for every suicide there are much more failed attempts.
It is common knowledge that men make up the larger percentage of suicide rates. The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention estimates about 39,000 Male Suicides in America in the year 2021. Statistics like this show how important the theme for this year's International Men’s Day is; the men in our communities are dying, and together we should all raise awareness on this and strive to achieve zero Male Suicide.
Some might begin to wonder, do men need all this attention? However, Suicide is too tragic, an event to be used as a tool in any form of gender war we see on social media. From preconceived gender roles to societal expectations, to, perhaps over-inflated, male ego, men in our communities are saddled with weights which often lead to overthinking, anxiety, depression, failed suicidal attempts and eventually suicidal deaths.
The International Men’s Day revolves around six main objectives to curtail all the adversities surrounding men and masculinity. Today, while you may not be able to do much, we implore you to take little steps to acknowledge and celebrate the efforts of the men around you A special nod, a kind word, or a sincere gesture could go a long way in promoting a positive difference to the wellbeing and lives of men around you.
And to the men out there striving, working, building not relenting, we see you, and we celebrate you. YOU Matter today just as you do every day of the year.
Happy International Men’s Day.
— Abdulsalam Abdulquddus
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