International Men’s Day is around the corner and before I go any further, let me share a quick reminder on its roots and origin. It was celebrated for the first time in 1992 and was originally celebrated in February. In the late 90s, it started being celebrated on November 19
th of every year.
The original intent of dedicating a day to men was to celebrate the contributions and achievements of men and boys. The focus was their contributions towards the nation, society, community and family. Over time, the objective behind celebrating Men’s day has broadened, and now aims to raise awareness towards issues that men face, and to promote humanitarian values. The main principles are laid out in the ‘six pillars’ of International Men’s day. Here’s a quick recap:
- To focus on men’s and boys’ mental and physical health
- Enhancing gender relations
- Promoting gender equality and wellbeing
- Focusing on discrimination against men
- Promoting positive men role models
- Helping in creating a safer and better world
Out of the six pillars of International Men’s Day, a key one is to ‘improve gender relations and promote gender equality’ not only for men but for women too. The theme for 2021 is ‘
Better relations between men and women.’
Setting Realistic Standards
A lot has changed in the last few centuries. Man has evolved from a food gatherer, hunter, warrior, figure of physical strength and security, the sole breadwinner to a more balanced role of doing a good mix of all the earlier roles and balancing it with a lot of household chores. These include taking care of the kids, doing the dishes, doing laundry, cooking meals, and various other things We are at a good tipping point where role reversals are seen as healthy and needed, between the two genders. Gender stereotypes and traditional views are fading at a good speed. And to bring it closer to the theme for 2021 – with the role reversals being seen as healthy and stereotypes ending, the relations between the genders are even better than ever.
Issues that Should be Discussed Openly
Human beings need more than just the bare necessities to keep them healthy; they need things that feed them mentally, spiritually, physically and they need things that give their lives meaning.
On average,
one in eight men will experience depression and
one in five men will experience anxiety at some stage of their lives. This mental and physical stress can leave them scarred for life. Boys and men should indulge in various activities that inspire them mentally and physically outside their day-to-day work and family life. And to bring it closer to the theme for 2021 – these apply equally to both genders and being cognizant of this fact is going to help families, societies, and nations.
The 3 things men can do to stay mentally and physically healthy?
- As the famous adage goes, “Tough times don’t last, tough people do”, It’s important to be positive, and express gratitude and take one day at a time.
- Practice mindfulness across your thinking, eating, exercise, resting. Remember there is a BIG difference between mind-full and mindful.
- ‘Like Katie Reed said, “Self-care is giving the world the best of you instead of what’s left of you”. Be there for yourself as much as for others.
Coming back to this year’s theme – ’Better relations between men and women’, I personally feel a lot has improved, diversity rates at workplaces have gone up, leadership positions are filled by both genders, education opportunities have been made available for all, there’s renewed focus on Diversity and Inclusion in the workspace. With all this progress, it means you are in constant partnership and collaborating closely with folks from both genders – don’t let any past bias, prior experience, superstitions, mar this wonderful experience of reaping the wide experience and rounded perspectives.
With this, a big thank you to all the men and women who have shaped economies, discovered and invented great things, and have driven generations forward.
Happy Men’s Day!
November 19, 2021