Dear Editor,

International Men's Day, celebrated on November 19 each year, often passes by with minimal acknowledgement.

This apparent oversight sheds light on the broader issue of the continual marginalisation of males in societal conversations. While efforts are consistently made to recognise and celebrate women on various assigned days, the same level of attention is not reciprocated to men.

Despite the importance of International Men's Day, it often receives little attention from the media. The lack of coverage reflects a larger societal trend of overlooking issues that predominantly affect males. It is crucial to question why the achievements, challenges, and well-being of men are not given the same platform as those of women.

The under-representation of International Men's Day in the media is a symptom of the broader issue of male marginalisation. Society has made strides in recognising and appreciating the contributions of women, which is commendable; however, achieving true gender equality requires acknowledging and addressing the challenges faced by men as well.

While males consistently go above and beyond to recognise women on various assigned days, the reverse is not as common. Days dedicated to raising awareness about male-specific health issues, such as Prostate Cancer Awareness Month in September, often go unnoticed. It's time for society to break the pattern and give equal importance to days designated to recognising and addressing male-centric concerns. By overlooking such events we perpetuate a culture that downplays male health issues.

To address this imbalance, there is need for a cultural shift. Males should actively participate in recognising and advocating for the importance of International Men's Day and other events that bring attention to their specific issues. Breaking the stigma around discussing men's health and well-being is crucial to fostering an environment of equality.

International Men's Day serves as a reminder to acknowledge and address the unique challenges faced by men in our society. The lack of media coverage and societal attention should prompt us to reflect on the need for equal recognition. By actively participating in events like International Men's Day and supporting initiatives that raise awareness about male-specific issues, we can contribute to building a more equitable and inclusive society.

It's time to recognise the importance of every gender-specific observance and work towards true gender equality.

Mikhail A Graham

mikhailgraham@yahoo.com