International Men’s Day was launched to help men open up on issues such as violence, health and suicide.

IMD acknowledges the contribution of men in bringing positive value to the world, their families and communities.

IMD coincides with "Movember" 👨🏻and "No-Shave November," 🧔🏻 the month-long charitable efforts that see men growing moustaches to raise awareness and funds for men's health charities.

IMD is a reminder to men to teach the boys in their lives the values and responsibilities of being a man. Mahatma Gandhi said “We must become the change we seek”. It is only when we all, both men and women, lead by example that we can create a fair and safe society.

What is the theme for International Men’s Day 2022?

The three core themes for International Men’s Day which are used every year are:-

• Making a positive difference to the wellbeing and lives of men and boys

• Raising awareness and funds for charities supporting Male Wellbeing

• Promoting a positive conversation about men, manhood and masculinity

These core themes help to highlight some of the issues that affect men and boys such as:

• The high male suicide rate

• Men’s health (including male cancers), shorter life expectancy and workplace deaths – plus the health impact of Covid-19

• The challenges faced by the most marginalised men and boys in society (e.g. homeless men, boys in care and the high rate of male deaths in custody)

• Male victims of violence, including sexual violence

• The challenges faced by men as parents, particularly new and separated fathers

• The negative portrayal of men, boys and fathers

The six key pillars of International Men’s Day are as follows:-

I. To promote positive male role models; not just movie stars and sports men but every day, working class men who are living decent, honest lives

II. To celebrate men’s positive contributions; to society, community, family, marriage, child care, and to the environment

III. To focus on men’s health and wellbeing; social, emotional, physical and spiritual.

IV. To highlight discrimination against males; in areas of social services, social attitudes and expectations, and law

V. To improve gender relations and promote gender equality.

VI. To create a safer, better world; where people can be safe and grow to reach their full potential

Latest statistics show:-

• In Ireland in 2018, 327 males and 110 females died by suicide (excludes late registration)

• Increase of 36% year on year regarding men as victims of domestic violence

• Men on average die 3.6 years before women

• It is estimated in Ireland, that there almost 25,000 invasive cases of cancer annually. 13,152 diagnosed are men while 11,641 are women. This excludes non-melanoma skin cancers

• CSO Vital Statistics 2020 yearly summary revealed that 4,612 men and 4,132 women died from cardiovascular disease

• Men are less likely to report both mental and physical illnesses than women

Ahane Health & Well Being Committee