International Men’s Day, observed on November 19th each year, is a day dedicated to celebrating the positive contributions of men globally and recognizing positive male role models.
The day was inaugurated by Dr. Jerome Teelucksingh, a lecturer at the University of the West Indies, on November 19, 1999, in Trinidad and Tobago. The aim of International Men’s Day is to highlight men’s health, improve gender relations, promote gender equality, and showcase positive role models. In 2024, the theme is “Positive Male Role Models”.
When Is International Men’s Day Celebrated?
If you want to know when International Men’s Day is celebrated this year, our handy table includes the dates for International Men’s Day up to 2030, including the weekdays they fall on:
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2024 | November 19, Tuesday |
| 2025 | November 19, Wednesday |
| 2026 | November 19, Thursday |
| 2027 | November 19, Friday |
| 2028 | November 19, Sunday |
| 2029 | November 19, Monday |
| 2030 | November 19, Tuesday |
International Men’s Day Facts
- Did you know that International Men’s Day is celebrated in over 80 countries? This widespread observance highlights the global appreciation for men’s contributions to society.
- Interestingly, the day also focuses on men’s health, which includes not only physical but also mental health. This emphasis aims to raise awareness about issues like prostate cancer, depression, and suicide, which statistically affect men at higher rates.
- Moreover, International Men’s Day seeks to promote gender equality by recognizing the vital roles men play in achieving it, challenging stereotypes, and encouraging positive male role models.
How to Celebrate International Men’s Day
There are many ways one can celebrate International Men’s Day. Here are a few easy and enjoyable ideas for those looking for ideas:
Encourage a Health Check-up
Encourage the men in your life to participate in health screenings. It’s a great way to highlight the importance of regular health check-ups and promote overall well-being among men.
Plan a Sports Day
Organize a sports event, whether it’s a friendly football match, a marathon, or a local gym challenge. Physical activities are a fun way to bond, stay healthy, and celebrate the athletic spirit of men.
Share Inspirational Stories
Use social media to share stories of positive male role models. Use the #InternationalMensDay hashtag when highlighting their achievements and contributions which can inspire others and promote the values of International Men’s Day.
Host a Movie Night
If you are looking for a lighter way to celebrate, why not host a movie night and only select movies that showcase strong, positive male characters and host a movie marathon. It’s a relaxing way to spend the day while reflecting on the diverse representations of men in media.
Celebrate with a Cookout
Gather friends and family for a cookout or potluck. Good food, great company, and shared stories make for a perfect celebration of the men in our lives.
International Men’s Day Controversy
International Men’s Day often sparks debate and controversy. Critics argue that men, who have historically held dominant positions in society, do not need a special day to highlight their issues. Some believe that celebrating men in a similar manner to women’s events could detract from the ongoing struggle for gender equality and the systemic challenges women face. The British Labour MP Jess Phillips famously remarked, “it seems like every day to me is International Men’s Day”, ending up receiving rape threats online from upset and insecure men.
Another significant controversy occurred at the University of York in the UK in 2015. The university initially planned to celebrate International Men’s Day, but this decision was met with backlash from staff and students. An open letter signed by nearly 200 individuals argued that the focus on men’s issues in the context of academic appointments and student representation ignored the structural advantages men hold in higher-paid and senior roles. The celebrations were ultimately canceled after Dr. Adrian Lee commented that female candidates had a higher chance of being appointed than men—a statement that received significant backlash from students and staff alike.
Despite the controversies, supporters of International Men’s Day argue that the day is crucial for raising awareness about serious issues affecting men, such as higher suicide rates and mental health challenges, which are often stigmatized and under-discussed. They believe that having a dedicated day helps to highlight these concerns and encourages men to seek help and support.
Before You Go:
We have many more national days lists for you to explore.
- Food-related national days: complete list of national food days, pasta & noodles days, vegan & vegetarian days, mushroom days, ice-cream days, pizza days, coffee days, chocolate days, wine days, alcohol & drinking days.
- Non-food national days: National Days Calendar 2025 (check out the printable calendars in my Etsy shop), National Days for Teachers, and a wide array of special lists such as cat days, dog days, animal days, cleaning & organizing days, book days, music days, family & relationships days, national days for women, stationery days and even Harry Potter days.
- Country-specific national days: Australian national days, more coming soon.
