November 19th, International Men’s Day, the annual event when the world converges to recognize the contributions by men toward society, families, and communities. The day presents an occasion to note their priceless contributions in areas of marriage, childcare, nation-building, and much more. While the day’s focus is on celebrating men, it also highlights critical issues affecting their well-being, such as mental health, gender-based violence, and the pressures of living up to societal expectations.
International Men’s Day, which began in 1992 through the efforts of Trinidadian scholar Dr. Jerome Teelucksingh, aims to provide a yearly platform to address both the accomplishments and struggles that men face. This year’s theme, “Positive Male Role Models,” allows for conversations on mental health, creating supportive environments, and ways to push back against toxic stereotypes. However, in all discussions with regards to celebrating men, it is also important to remember that something: men often remain unnoticed, their efforts unappreciated, and their struggles overlooked.
For the majority of history, men have been encouraged to silently bear their burdens and perform stoically. Whether as providers, protectors, or leaders, the expectation that a man should never be vulnerable or admit to weakness, can be stultifying. Society often teaches men to “tough it out” or “man up,” which leaves little room for emotional expression or seeking help. As such, mental health issues among men are predominant but easily dismissed or minimized. Even though discussions about women’s rights, along with issues of gender equality, have picked up good momentum within the last few decades, stories about men are relatively underrepresented.
Men experience the harsh side of societal pressures, especially about their performance: they are pressured to make good money, not to get too emotional, and to fit the mold of the “strong, silent” type. In most cases, such influence truly affects men’s mental and physical well-being. The high rates of suicide, depression, and anxiety among men are stark reminders that these struggles need more attention. Still, amidst all this, men often continue to show up with a smile, facing the challenges of everyday life without complaint.
Their resilience is a quiet force, too often going unnoticed. From supporting families to being supportive friends, and from role models for the young to responsible citizens, men are doing fantastic work, mostly unseen and unrewarded. Let’s break this silence and create opportunities for them to open up and share experiences, get help when necessary, and be applauded for their positive contributions.
Nonetheless, the path toward actual gender equality is still very long. While men are slowly being recognized in their new roles within society, there is a need to keep an open dialogue focused on mental health, emotional well-being, and societal expectations. The celebration of men should not be confined to just one group or day; rather, it should focus on diversified realities and challenges that characterize men, including both triumph and struggle.
The International Men’s Day prompts this question: do we really value the effort men make every day? They are either raising children or supporting their families. Many take on the pressures of modern society. Their sacrifices are often unseen and unappreciated.
Men, too, are beautiful, not only in their physiques but, above all, because of their character, determination, and love. They have time and again proven that they can face whatever challenge there is in this world with a smile plastered across their faces while they bear the weight of societal expectations.
So, while celebrating International Men’s Day, let us look at the value of a man’s contribution to his family, community, and society. Help us toward a world where the efforts of men are recognized every day, not just on this day. It’s on International Men’s Day that we should focus on creating an equal society, where men can be themselves and face challenges head-on with dignity, and men and women together build a better world.