International Men’s Day is celebrated across the world on November 19 every year. The day celebrates men’s contributions to society and the positive values they bring to the world, their families and communities. This year, the day is celebrated the world over with the theme - “Better relations between men and women.” Here are 10 facts about the day which is observed to highlight positive role models and raise awareness about men’s well-being across 57 countries today.
1. One of the six pillars of International Men’s Day is to improve gender relations and promote gender equality not only for men but for women too.
2. The project of International Men's Day was conceived on 8 February 1991.
3. International Men’s Day was first observed on February 7, 1992.
4. The first International Men’s Day was inaugurated by Thomas Oaster.
5. The project was re-initialised in 1999 in Trinidad and Tobago.
6. Citizens in Trinidad and Tobago were the first to observe IMD on 19 November 1999
7. Dr Jerome Teelucksingh from The University of the West Indies at the Families in Action headquarters in Newtown revived the event on November 19 to honour his father's birthday
8. International Men’s Day is also celebrated how on that date in 1989 Trinidad and Tobago's football team had united the country with their endeavours to qualify for the World Cup.
9. The idea of celebrating an International Men's Day received written support from officials in UNESCO. However, IMD isn’t officially recognized by the United Nations yet.
10. India started celebrating IMD in 2007. The inaugural IMD celebration in India was organized by the leading Indian Men's rights organization Indian Family.
