International Men’s Day: Celebrating Men and Boys

Every 19th of November, the world comes together to observe International Men’s Day, an occasion dedicated to recognising the positive value men bring to their families, communities, workplaces, and the broader social fabric. While the day often flies under the radar compared to other global observances, its relevance continues to grow because conversations about men’s well-being, roles, identity, and contribution are more important today than ever.

This year’s theme, “Celebrating Men and Boys,” encourages society to shift the lens from criticism to appreciation and to honour men not just for what they do, but for who they are, and who they are becoming.

Why This Day Exists

International Men’s Day was founded as a platform to spotlight issues that impact men and boys across the world, many of which are overlooked, misunderstood, or considered “taboo.”

The day exists to push forward meaningful discussions on:

• Men’s mental health, especially the rising rates of suicide among men.

READ: Dr. Yuri Oketch on Men’s Health and Breaking Stigma

• Emotional well-being, and the expectation that men must always be strong, stoic, or invulnerable.
• Positive male role modelling, encouraging boys to grow up seeing healthy, responsible, emotionally intelligent masculinity.
• Men’s physical health, including preventable diseases that go unchecked because many men rarely seek medical attention.
• Gender relations, highlighting how healthier men create healthier families and communities.
• The pressures and expectations placed on men, especially in environments that demand performance but not vulnerability.

READ ALSO: Caring Out Loud- Evans Kabaka on Manhood, Mental Health, and the Meaning of Movember

What This Day Is Calling Us to Address

The conversations around this day go beyond merely appreciating men. They challenge long-standing stereotypes:

• That men should never cry.
• That men should always know what to do.
• That seeking help is weakness.
• That their struggles are less important or less urgent.

These beliefs have shaped generations of men who were taught to suppress emotions, prioritise productivity over well-being, and “carry everything quietly.” International Men’s Day is a soft but firm reminder that even the strongest shoulders get tired.

How Families and Friends Can Celebrate the Men in Their Lives

You don’t need a grand event or complicated gesture. Sometimes, men simply need to hear what society rarely tells them plainly.

Here’s how families, friends, and communities can truly honour impactful men:

1. Tell Them They Matter

A sincere message, a phone call, a text… something that communicates,
“You’re seen. You’re valued. You’re appreciated.”
Men rarely hear this, even when they deeply deserve it.

2. Celebrate Their Efforts, Not Just Their Results

A lot of men give their best quietly working late, supporting others, showing up even when tired. Acknowledge the effort, the intention, the consistency.

3. Encourage Them to Take Care of Themselves

Help them create space for rest, medical check-ups, mental health support, hobbies, and emotional expression. Normalise softness, self-care, conversation, and vulnerability.

4. Share Stories of Positive Male Role Models

Highlight the men, both famous and local, who lead with integrity, compassion, and purpose. Young boys especially need this kind of direction.

5. Spend Quality Time

Whether it’s a simple meal together, a walk, a game, or a shared activity, presence speaks louder than praise.

6. Gift Them Something Thoughtful

It doesn’t have to be expensive. The thought communicates intentionality and many men go years without receiving personalised appreciation.

A Message to All Men

To every man and boy reading this, today is for you.

For your silent battles and loud victories.
For the weight you carry and the dreams you nurture.
For the love you give, even when unspoken.
For the resilience that keeps you moving, even on the days you feel unseen.
For the compassion you show in small, quiet moments.
For the responsibility you shoulder without asking for applause.
For the ways you protect, provide, lead, teach, and redefine what it means to be a man in a changing world.

You are worthy of love, support, and celebration not just today, but every day.

International Men’s Day is not just a global observance; it’s a reminder that you are an essential part of your community and that your well-being matters. You are allowed to rest. You are allowed to seek help. You are allowed to express emotion. You are allowed to choose gentleness just as much as strength.

Most importantly, you are enough, even before you achieve, fix, or prove anything.