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INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR MEN
Almost four decades ago, the United Nations General Assembly designated March 8, 1977 as International Day for Women to highlight the multiple forms of discrimination of women in law, in practice and by men and society.
It is known that men are also discriminated against, but policy-makers from the United Nations (UN) down to national governments have focused their attention on women issues to correct past injustices which had placed women at a distinct disadvantage in relation to men for centuries.
It seems that the solutions to men’s issues lie in their unity, something many men have difficulty doing. But if they do not come together and fight for their own interests, no one else will. With this in mind,Thomas Oaster, an articulate and passionate men’s rights advocate and associate professor at the University of Missouri in Kansas City where he taught classes on men’s issues believed in gender equality.
In the1990s, his prolific work as the Director of the Missouri Center for men’s studies culminated in the inauguration of International Men’s Day (IMD) in Trinidad and Tobago on November 19, 1992.
IMD was supported by a variety of individuals and groups in the Caribbean, North America, Asia, Europe, Africa and the Oceania. Many believed that it was an excellent idea that would give some balance to gender issues and gender equality.
The objectives of IMD are to promote positive male role models among ordinary men who are living decent, honest lives;celebrate men’s contributions and achievements to society, community, family, marriage, child care, and to the environment.
However, the focus is on men’s health and wellbeing, social, emotional, physical and spiritual; to highlight discrimination against males; to improve gender relations and promote gender equality; and to create a safer and better worldfree from violence and where people will grow to reach their full potential. Every year, IMD is celebrated under a different theme. This year’s theme “Stop Male Suicide” which is three times more than females.
IMD is celebrated in over 70 countries around the world including Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, Jamaica, Barbados, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia and Trinidad and Tobago in the Caribbean.It is not celebrated in Guyana.
However, the average male is not aware of IMD which means that every year, it has gone un-noticed by many of them. Despite being in existence since 1992, IMD is still not recognized or celebrated by the UN. And although it is supported by the UN, it does not generate the publicity associated with International Women’s Day.
This could be a reflection of the reverse gender imbalance being practice in many countries where men’s issues are not taken as seriously as women’s issues.
It is unfortunate that the world is not paying attention to the many critical issues affecting men in order to ensure a gender balance, promote equality and non-discrimination. Because of this, some men believe that the progress achieved by women has been at the expense of men, many of whom are falling through the cracks.
The socialization of men has not changed but the environment in which they live and interact with women has changed drastically over the last four decades.
As a result, many men are struggling to define their traditional role as the breadwinner because it has been redefined due to the fact that women are gainfully employed and some are even earning more than their partners. The traditional role of men as breadwinner was when women were content in their role of homemaker.
Today, many men have found it difficult adjusting to this new reality in a fundamentally different environment in which the traditional role of men is seen as being complimentary. Women, generally speaking, have been more organized to influence public policy and in advancing their interests.
Men, on the other hand have been taking many things for granted, including their health and well-being. Given the challenges facing men today, especially young men, it seems that the IMD may be the answer to their problems. It is said, the Lord helps those who help themselves.
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