International Men’s Day: History, Significance and How to Celebrate Sustainably

International Men's Day celebrated on the 19th of November has its origins in a pretty unexpected place—Trinidad and Tobago— an island nation in the Caribbean. Observed by over 80 countries, it aims at celebrating men, and all their achievements and contributions.

The celebrations on this day are established upon the Six Pillars Of International Men's Day:

1. To promote positive male role models
2. To celebrate Men's contributions to society
3. To focus on Men's physical and mental health 
4. To highlight the discrimination faced by men
5. To improve relations between genders 
6. To create a safer world for everyone.

International Men's Day was first inaugurated by Thomas Oaster on the 7th of February 1992. The project was later re-initialized in 1999 in Trinidad and Tobago by Jerome Teeluksingh, a historian and an important figure in championing issues related to gender and racial inequality.  

Jerome Teeluksingh wanted to honor his father's birthday and also celebrate how on that date in 1989 Trinidad and Tobago's football team united the whole country with their efforts to qualify for the World Cup. He wanted to celebrate this day to address all the issues affecting men and boys and make an effort to remove the negative image and stigma associated with men in society. 

He didn't want IND to be a gendered celebration or be looked at as a mirror to Women's Day because the ideology behind them isn't the same. Jerome wanted to change how men are seen; in a negative light, often behaving badly, and wanted to highlight the importance of having good male role models. Stressing how negative stereotyping affected young males.

In recent years the roles and the expectations of society from men have changed. Traditional stereotypes are being challenged and more importance is being given to their mental health and overall wellbeing. Men are encouraged to be authentic and vulnerable and their struggles are being brought to light.

If you are an individual, company, or brand you need to be celebrating International Men's Day because frankly, this holiday does not get as much traction as Women's Day does.

Here's how to celebrate International Men's Day sustainably!

1. Online events: Companies and brands can organize events and awareness campaigns that encourage men to prioritize their physical and mental well-being, help them understand the importance of a work-life balance, and give them tools to thrive in their professional lives without compromising on their ones.

2. Sustainable gifts: Surprise your male employees with sustainable products like reusable water bottles, tiffin boxes, small plants, seeds, or clothes made from recycling.

3. Fundraisers and donation drives: Organize fundraisers and donations. Give away clothes, books, and electronics to charities. Financially support charities and NGOs that work for men's well-being by challenging stigmas around Men's Mental health, fighting against the misuse of gender-based laws, homelessness and domestic abuse, addiction and rehabilitation, etc.

4. Fitness challenges: Encourage men to get into fitness by participating in fitness challenges by taking part in outdoor activities like hiking, biking, running, etc.

5. Sustainable living challenge: Have a competition to encourage men to reduce their carbon footprint by using public transportation, cycling to work, or carpooling.

6. Host a zero-waste barbeque or picnic: Have a potluck or cater food from a company that sources food locally and has a zero-waste policy.  Participants can also use recyclable or reusable plates and utensils.

7. Environmental drives: Organize a tree planting drive or a clean-up drive so that they can contribute to the betterment of the environment and feel a part of the community.

8. Coupons and discounts: Give out coupons or discounts on services such as gym memberships, therapy, and counseling sessions, mindfulness and meditation workshops, etc.

9. Have movie screenings: Have movie screenings that showcase positive role models and moral characters. Example: The Dead Poets Society with Robin Williams 

Conclusion

Did you know the theme for International Men's Day 2024 is Men's Health Champions? This year the aim is to highlight the problems of Men's health and the challenges faced by those delivering the solutions. Let us celebrate Men's Day in a way that makes a real difference for the men in our lives and let us do it without harming our planet.