IMD 2018 — Men leading by example
UNDER the theme, ‘Men leading by example’, International Men’s Day (IMD) is celebrated today, November 19, with a challenge to men to add positive value to the world, their families and communities.
An annual global event, IMD focuses on men’s and boys’ health, improving gender relations, promoting gender equality, and highlighting positive male role models.
Locally, a consultation on paternity leave and other best practices towards parental leave for fathers will be the main event to celebrate IMD.
The event, which will be held under the theme: ‘Reinforcing Positive Male Role Models’, is scheduled to take place at The University of the West Indies Regional Headquarters beginning at 9:30 am.
It is part of the Government’s ‘No Excuse for Abuse’ #NEFA public education campaign, aimed at reducing gender-based violence in Jamaica.
The event is being organised by the Bureau of Gender Affairs, a division of the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme, Citizen Security and Justice Programme, Institute for Gender and Development Studies, and other stakeholders.
What can you do today?
The Dads4Kids Fatherhood Foundation, which sponsors the IMD website, internationalmensday.com, said since 1999, methods of celebrating International Men’s Day have included public seminars, forums, conferences, festivals and fundraisers, classroom activities at schools, radio and television programmes, church observations, prayer meetings, award ceremonies, special retail promotions, photos and film competitions, music concerts and art displays, and peaceful awareness marches.
They encourage people to:
•Post information about the day on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram using hashtags like #internationalmensday #celebratemen #menshealth #stopmalesuicide #thankamantoday.
•If you are a community leader or champion for the cause, you could approach your local council and other community leaders and together put on a fun local event to celebrate International Men’s Day.
• Certificates of Appreciation are available on the website that can be downloaded and awarded to men whose service is particularly worthy of recognition.
•It is also a special time to make mention of the brave men who protect our communities in the defence force and emergency services such as the police, firefighters, ambulance drivers and hospital workers.
• Feel free to create and present your own awards that celebrate the positive elements of manhood.
• International Men’s Day can also be celebrated at an individual and family level, by spending special time with the men in your life, in appreciation of how they enrich the lives of those around them.
•Write letters or cards and post them to your friends, family, relatives and people you admire and have contributed to your life about how much you appreciate them.
