Today is Men’s Day: So, heal scarred hearts

Everyone knows that March 8 is celebrated as International Women’s Day. But many are unaware that there is something called International Men’s Day. November 19 is International Men’s Day. This day has been steadily getting prominence in the changed social scenario. 

While the Women’s Day was launched to advocate for improved rights and pay for women, International Men's Day focuses on raising awareness for discrimination and male health. It is commemorated worldwide to shine a spotlight on men who are making a positive difference and to raise awareness of issues that men face on a global scale.

There are many arguments on the issue and the media is slowly warming up to debates on whether there is a need for International Men’s Day or not. Some argue that male suicides globally are the biggest killer of men under the age of 45 and in cases of failure in life whether it is failure in their career or love they are the first ones to hit the bar.

Some people say that though the world is called as male chauvinist arena, there are any number of incidents where men are subjecting to suffering from women and they have no way to express their feelings or no machinery like men’s commission where they can seek justice. There are many cases where men are subjected to suffering by women, some argue. 

So, when did International Men’s Day start, what does it celebrate and what’s this year’s theme?  The aim of International Men’s Day is to celebrate positive male role models and to raise awareness of men’s issues.

These include topics such as mental health, toxic masculinity and the prevalence of male suicides. Experts say that it is time to encourage people not to try and establish who is superior men or women but to encourage people to discuss on issues such as men’s mental health.

Male suicides are three times more than women suicides in the UK. Earlier this year, it was revealed that male suicides in the UK had dropped to lowest rate as compared to three decades back.

International Men’s Day is said to be part of a global love revolution where men get involved in promoting conversations about men’s mental health, suicide prevention, prostate cancer etc.

International Men’s Day is also observed on an annual basis by persons from all walks of life, who support the ongoing effort to improve lives, heal scarred hearts, seek solutions to social problems, mend troubled minds, reform the social outcasts and uplift the dysfunctional.

If you are wondering how to celebrate the day, here’s an idea: On this day, donate to causes related to men’s health, or make/share posters that talk about men’s mental health and physical ailments. Instead of trying to prove who is great women or men, this day should be dedicated to create a mindset that better the balance, better the world.