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Why we have an International Men's Day

Some people ask why we need an International Men's Day (IMD)? In Australia, IMD is a great opportunity to take part in a global conversation about manhood, masculinity and men's issues by:

  • Highlighting some of the social issues that men and boys face
  • Highlighting some of the social issues that men and boys face
  • Making a difference for the men and boys in your community
  • Celebrating men and boys in all their diversity
  • Having some serious fun in the process

This year, International Men's Day will be held on Sunday 19 November 2023, though many people will hold their activities and celebrations before or after the main event.

Isn’t every day International Men’s Day?

International Men's Day is held annually on 19 November. It is an opportunity to celebrate men and boys in all their diversity.
Many people also use the day to highlight some of the key social issues that men and boys around the world face. In Australia, these "men's issues" include the fact that:

  • 3 out of 4 suicides are men
  • 2 out of 3 violent deaths are men
  • Men die 6 years younger than women on average
  • Boys underperform girls at every stage of education
  • Dads who want to be more involved in their children's lives face a range of barriers

Despite the overwhelming evidence that men and boys face a range of issues related to their physical, mental and social health and welling, many people still persist in promoting a range rigid gender stereotypes and clichés like:

  • "Man Up"
  • "Boys don't cry"
  • "Men and boys don't need help" and
  • "Every day is International Men's Day"

How to take part in International Men’s Day

This year, International Men’s Day will be held on Sunday November 19 2023, although many people will hold their activities and celebrations before or after the main event.

Everyone can take part in International Men’s Day:

  • You can set up an event yourself and promote it on our events calendar
  • You can use the events calendar to find an event to attend
  • You can use some of our resources to get involved in the International Men’s Day conversation online
  • You can give a talk about men using our KNOW YOUR MAN FACTS presentation toolkits.
  • You can use the hashtag #HealthyMen

Is International Men’s Day really for everyone?

Everyone is welcome to celebrate International Men’s Day on Sunday 19 November 2023.

International Men’s Day recognises that there are a broad variety of laws, values and viewpoints around the world that affect men and boys in different countries, in different ways. There is also a diversity of opinions about those laws, values and viewpoints, which are held by people of different genders and gender identities throughout the world.

International Men’s Day places a focus on that which unites humanity, giving everyone who wants to celebrate International Men’s Day the opportunity to work together towards the day’s six key objectives, which apply equally to all males irrespective of their age, ability, social background, legal status, race, beliefs, sexual orientation or gender identity.

It doesn’t matter who you are, every individual is free to celebrate International Men’s Day.

Six objectives of International Men’s Day

There are wide variety of ways you can mark International Men’s Day on Sunday 19 November 2023. As a general rule, the majority of celebrations share one or more of the following objectives:

  • Valuing male role models
  • Acknowledging the contribution of men and boys
  • Improving male health
  • Tackling discrimination and disadvantage
  • Fostering positive gender relations
  • Making the world a safer place for everyone