On Monday November 19th, International Men's Day was celebrated around the world... apparently, I came across it almost by accident on social media,and I only heard a single mention of it in the mainstream media, from a guest on Brendan O'Connor's television programme on Wednesday November 21st, two days after the event.
The objectives of International Men's Day are as follows:
- 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.
- To celebrate men’s positive contributions to society, community, family, marriage, child care, and to the environment.
- To focus on men’s health and wellbeing; social, emotional, physical and spiritual.
- To highlight discrimination against men; in areas of social services, social attitudes and expectations, and law
- To improve gender relations and promote gender equality
- To create a safer, better world; where people can be safe and grow to reach their full potential.
I have to say I've never heard of International Men's Day before this week, but as a member of Midleton Men's Shed, I see a lot of commonality between the aims of our shed and the objectives above, and the absolute importance of celebrating this day.
I will be discussing this with my fellow shedders at our next meeting to ensure we organise an event next year to celebrate this most important day.