International Men’s Day is
held on 19 November each year to advocate for improved quality of men’s and
boy’s lives in society. International Men’s Day (IMD) focuses on encouraging
positive male role models. It also highlights men’s issues such as health,
mental health, parenting, child care, family relationships, and social
relationships. The first International Men’s Day was held in Trinidad and
Tobago on 19 November 1999.
The theme for 2016 is ‘Stop
Male Suicide.’ Global suicide rates have increased 65% in the last 45 years.
The increase is disproportionately affecting men. The suicide rate for men is
higher than the rate for women in 97% of countries in the world. On average the
suicide rate for men is up to three times the rate of female suicides.
Male suicide is worse in
Western nations. In America and the United Kingdom the ratio is 4 male suicides
for every one female suicide. In Australia and Canada the ratio is 3 male
suicides for every one female suicide. In Russia six males suicide each year
for every one female suicide. In China the rate is equal for males and females.
The United Kingdom IMD
coordinator, Glen Poole, has written a book called ‘Stop Male Suicide.’ The
message for the 2016 International Men’s Day is adopted from Poole’s book: LEARN
LOVE LISTEN.
International Men’s Day
coincides with the Movember month promoted by the Movember Foundation to
promote men’s health and prevent young men from dying. It is observed in over
60 countries.
MARTINA NICOLLS is an international
aid and development consultant, and the author of:- The Shortness of
Life: A Mongolian Lament (2015), Liberia’s Deadest Ends (2012), Bardot’s Comet
(2011), Kashmir on a Knife-Edge (2010) and The Sudan Curse (2009).
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