What is International Men’s Day?
Launched in 1999, and now celebrated in more than 80 countries worldwide, International Men’s Day takes place every year on 19th November, and celebrates worldwide the positive value men bring to the world, their families and communities. The campaign highlights positive role models and raises awareness of men’s health and well-being. The theme set for the 2025 campaign is ‘Celebrating Men and Boys’.
Click here to find out more about International Men’s Day 2025 and getting involved in the campaign.
The UK themes for the Day which are used every year and help maximise participation are:
- Making a positive difference to the wellbeing and lives of men and boys
- Raising awareness and/or funds for charities supporting men and boys’ wellbeing
- Promoting a positive conversation about men, manhood and masculinity
Click here for more information on International Men’s Day in the UK from the UK Men’s Day website.
Positive conversations about men, manhood, masculinity and male role models
Vandello & Bosson (2013) noted the intense pressure faced by many men and boys to constantly assert, prove and maintain their masculinity, with traits such as strength, domination and aggression often being highly prized. This can lead to young males feeling that they have to behave in this way to be seen as a ‘real man’, leading to behaviour and attitudes which are harmful to both young men and society as a whole (Harrop, 2023).
Embracing healthy, pro-social behaviour and promoting good mental health for boys and men therefore requires a new approach to what it means to be masculine, focusing on positive behaviours, and role models who can provide a positive, healthy example.
Karl shares his story about what being a good man means to him on the Movember website, click here to read his story.
We all have the power and responsibility to be positive male role models for young men and adults alike. Whether you’re a dad, brother, guardian, mentor, teacher, friend, colleague or partner, Dove have written about 5 actions which you can practice every day to inspire others and embody what makes a good role model. Click here to read the actions on Dove’s website now.
To read more about positive role models, click here to read an article from the University of Worcester on The Importance of Positive Male Role Models. If you are a parent/carer, educator or professionals working with young men and boys and would like information on reframing masculinity, click here to download a resource from the University of Birmingham.
Finding our more about Men’s Health
One man in five dies before the age of 65, but together we can change male, premature deaths which are caused by preventable causes. Taking about our physical and mental health can be awkward, but without talking about our health, or seeking help when we are concerned, we can become unwell. By starting conversations with those around us, and our GPs, we can better look after our bodies, minds and overall health. To find out more about men’s health, click here.
