When is International Men's Day 2017? How will we mark International Men’s Day this year?
AS the world marks International Women’s Day, here is a look forward to its counterpart - International Men’s Day. When is the date and how will we celebrate?
Amanda Holden discusses her grandfather's suicide
What is International Men’s Day?
International Men’s Day is a day dedicated to raise awareness about male suicide, health and mental health issues.
Likes International Women’s Day, the male version promotes gender equality and celebrates positive male role models.
There will be celebrations around Britain and more than 60 other countries around the world on the day later this year.
When is International Men’s Day?
International Men’s Day will take place on Sunday November 19.
It coincides with Movember in November, the month when men grow moustaches to raise awareness about prostate cancer and other health issues.
Why do we celebrate International Men’s Day?
The theme for 2017 is “Celebrating Men and Boys in all their Diversity”.
International Men’s Day aims to target the stigma of male suicide and will focus on male health problems.
This year's celebrations encourage people to understand and cherish the social and ethnic diversity of men.
One of the objectives of the day is to highlight positive male role models for young boys, improve gender relations, and promote equality.
The official International Men’s Day website claims on average male suicide rates are three times that of women.
A 2016 report from the Samaritans noted the highest suicide rate in the UK in 2014 was for men aged 45-49 at 26.5 per 100,000.
The underlining goal of the day is to make a difference in the lives of men and boys who are suffering.
Institutions and government are encouraged to organise events and support initiatives for those who might seek help on the day.
The objectives for 2017 are:
- Promote positive male role models; not just movie stars and sports men but everyday, working class men who are living decent, honest lives.
- Celebrate men’s positive contributions; to society, community, family, marriage, child care, and to the environment.
- Focus on men’s health and wellbeing; social, emotional, physical and spiritual.
- Highlight discrimination against males; in areas of social services, social attitudes and expectations, and law.
- Improve gender relations and promote gender equality.
- Create a safer, better world, where all people can grow and reach their full potential.