At a time when concerns have been raised about “toxic masculinity”, the celebration of International Men’s Day (IMD) this month is a valuable opportunity to highlight the roles men play in society.

Observed annually on 19 November, IMD is dedicated to raising awareness of men’s physical and mental wellbeing and promoting positive male role models. 

Unlike International Women’s Day, in March, it is not officially designated by the United Nations. While it has been widely adopted in many countries, the lack of this endorsement has meant that it is interpreted in different ways in different places. 

What can be agreed upon is that it allows us to set aside some time to focus on positive initiatives by and for men. 

IMD has been around as a concept for many years. It was formalised in 1999 by Dr Jerome Teelucksingh, a university lecturer from Trinidad and Tobago, who wanted to create an event to highlight men’s issues and celebrate men’s contributions to family, community, and society. 

The idea embraces initiatives to improve men’s physical, emotional, and social wellbeing and has become a focal point for discussing topics specific to men, including the importance of male mentorship. 

In Australia, IMD is supported by the Australian Men’s Health Forum, which is a Federal Government funded body that strives to create a healthier future for men and boys.

With Australian men facing high rates of suicide, chronic health conditions, and workplace fatalities, IMD provides a platform to promote awareness and preventive strategies. 

While much of the focus is on young men, fathers, and men in the workforce, there is increasing attention on initiatives tailored to seniors. This dovetails with initiatives such as Men’s Sheds, which are community spaces where men can come together to work on meaningful projects, share skills, and foster social connections. 

IMD places a large emphasis on health, based on the sobering statistic that 50 Australian men die every day from preventable causes. 

Events on or around the day range from a networking breakfasts to trade shows, a standup comedy night, and bike rides and walks to promote healthy living. 

For senior Australians, IMD underscores the importance of connection, support, and healthy ageing.

More broadly, it acts as a platform to remind communities of the need for inclusivity, empathy, and positive role modelling across generations. 

Related reading: IMD Australia, Australian Men’s Health Forum, Men’s Shed