International Men’s Day in the UK is on Thursday 19 November every year and it is celebrated around the world in at least 60 countries.

Every year, International Men’s Day in the UK is marked by more and more women, men and organisations across the country. Across November in the UK there is a Parliamentary debate, policy launches, employer days, community events, health days, business events, debates, student events, political events, gigs, conferences, competitions, comedy nights and charity fundraisers – the most anywhere in the world.

Organisations and people do not have to stick to holding an event or celebration on 19 November if they want to mark the day.

The three core themes for International Men’s Day in the UK are:
• Making a positive difference to the wellbeing and lives of men and boys
• Raising awareness and/or funds for charities supporting men and boys’ wellbeing
• Promoting a positive conversation about men, manhood and masculinity

These core themes help to address some of the issues that affect men and boys such as:
• The high male suicide rate
• The challenges faced by boys and men at all stages of education including attainment and re-skilling
• Men’s health (including male cancers), shorter life expectancy and workplace deaths
• The challenges faced by the most marginalised men and boys in society (for instance, 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 fathers and separated fathers
• Male victims and survivors of sexual abuse, rape, sexual exploitation, domestic abuse, forced marriage, honour-based crime, stalking and slavery
• The negative portrayal of men, boys and fathers
IMD in the UK takes a gender inclusive approach and therefore believes in ensuring that issues affecting women and girls are also resolved. It also recognises the intersection between gender and other factors such as race and sexuality, which can compound the inequalities affecting men and boys.

If you are interested in Men and Boys issues all year round – please look at the Men and Boys Coalition. info@menandboyscoalition.org.uk