International Men’s Day gains broader recognition, says Sarah Game, MLC
Support for International Men’s Day is growing across Australia, with increased attendance, bipartisan political engagement and a shift in public attitudes, according to South Australian MP Sarah Game.
In an article published in The Spectator, Game reflects on hosting her third International Men’s Day (IMD) dinner in Adelaide on November 19, reporting that the event sold out and “almost doubl[ed] in size from 2024”.
She noted the attendance of the South Australian Premier, Labor ministers and MPs, as well as members of the Liberal opposition, as a significant indicator of changing perceptions around IMD.
“What does it mean that the SA Premier accepted an invitation to attend this year’s event, alongside other Labor ministers and MPs, plus those who sit opposite them in the Liberal Party ranks?” Game wrote.
According to Game, this year’s event attracted a broad cross-section of the community, bringing together people who would “rarely sit in the same room together, let alone share similar life priorities”.
She also pointed to a decline in public criticism of International Men’s Day, suggesting that dismissive responses such as the claim that “every day is International Men’s Day” are becoming less prominent.
Game linked this shift to a parliamentary motion she recently moved, which called for a focus on “men’s health, championing male role models, supporting gender equity, and recognising the positive values men bring to the world, their families, and communities”.
The motion also highlighted the unique health challenges faced by men, including suicide, and argued that “men deserve to be celebrated on International Men’s Day in the same vein as we celebrate and champion women on International Women’s Day”.
Game said she believes these issues are “slowly becoming apolitical” and increasingly resonating with the broader community.
She argued there is growing recognition of the need to address men’s health challenges, promote positive male role models and challenge what she described as unfair generalisations about men.
“Tired clichés about male privilege are being challenged,” Game wrote, adding that discussions around the needs of men and boys are beginning to gain traction.
The article also references ongoing disparities affecting men and boys, including higher rates of suicide, violent death and shorter life expectancy, as well as educational underperformance among boys and barriers faced by fathers in separated families.
Game acknowledged that highlighting these issues remains “unfashionable”, but suggested this is changing.
As part of this year’s IMD event, funds were raised for Mates in Construction, a charity focused on suicide prevention in the construction and allied industries. Game said $147,500 was raised on the night.
The event also included recognition of the inaugural South Australian Positive Role Model Award recipients. The awards were founded and are chaired by former Flinders University Dean of Research Professor Raj Shekhawat, and aim to recognise men making “a meaningful difference, whether through small, quiet acts of kindness, or large, visible contributions across any sector”.
Game also outlined her broader advocacy during her parliamentary term, including securing $200,000 for men’s health initiatives such as the Men’s Health Checklist and the Suicide Prevention Fellowship in Men’s Mental Health, and calling for the establishment of an Office for Men.
“I’ve been dubbed Australia’s unofficial ‘Minister for Men’ and it’s a badge I wear proudly,” Game wrote.
While acknowledging progress has been gradual, she concluded that momentum is building. “Change may be slow, but it’s definitely happening – and it’s gathering momentum.”
Sarah Game is the founder of the Fair Go for Australians party, MLC, South Australia