By Elke Porter | WBN News Global | November 20, 2025
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International Men's Day 2025: A Quiet Celebration of Men's Contributions and Wellbeing

November 19th marks another year of the little-known observance focused on men's health, positive role models, and gender equality

November 19, 2025 — While social media feeds buzzed with routine content and major news outlets focused on political developments, International Men's Day quietly celebrated worldwide the positive value men bring to the world, their families and communities on Tuesday. With its theme for 2025, "Celebrating Men and Boys," the day passed with minimal fanfare compared to many other international observances.

The Origins: From Missouri to Trinidad

International Men's Day was first created in February 1992 by American journalist Thomas Oaster, who directed the Missouri Center for Men's Studies at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. In the early 1990s, Oaster invited organizations in the United States, Australia, and Malta to hold small events during February. After initial success in 1993 and 1994, attendance dwindled, and by 1995 Oaster ceased organizing the event.

Malta remained the sole country continuing the observance until Dr. Jerome Teelucksingh revived International Men's Day in 1999 in Trinidad and Tobago. Teelucksingh chose November 19 to honour his father's birthday and to celebrate how on that date in 1989 Trinidad and Tobago's men's football team had united the country with their endeavors to qualify for the World Cup.

Teelucksingh's motivation was personal yet universal: he realized there was a day for fathers, but no day to celebrate men who didn't have children, or young boys and teenagers who deserved positive male role models.

What International Men's Day Stands For

Unlike Father's Day, which honours paternal relationships, International Men's Day has a broader mission. The six primary components include focusing on health, improving gender relations, encouraging gender equality, highlighting male role models, celebrating achievements and contributions, and promoting basic humanitarian values.

The day provides an opportunity to promote discussions and actions that support men's physical and mental health, encourage positive role models, and advocate for a more inclusive society. Key issues addressed include men's mental health, early mortality rates, male suicide, fatherhood challenges, and restrictive social expectations.

Global Observance Without UN Recognition

International Men's Day is celebrated in over 80 countries, including Jamaica, India, the United States, Cayman Islands, Norway, and Pakistan. Events range from sports tournaments and health fairs to panel discussions, concerts, and tributes to male role models.

However, unlike International Women's Day, International Men's Day is not an official UN observance, though representatives from organizations such as the UN have expressed support for the event. A petition has called for UN recognition in the interest of equality, but formal designation remains elusive.

What Can Be Done to Support Men?

Supporting men on International Men's Day—and throughout the year—involves several practical approaches. People can promote men's health by encouraging men to prioritize their physical and mental health by seeking medical advice and support when needed, support positive masculinity by celebrating positive male role models and encouraging boys and men to express their emotions and vulnerabilities, and organize events such as seminars, workshops, or panel discussions that address men's issues like mental health, fatherhood, and career development.

Communities are encouraged to engage in mentorship programs connecting boys and young men with positive role models, while also challenging harmful stereotypes that limit how men and boys see themselves.

International Women's Day: The Established Counterpart

International Women's Day is celebrated on March 8 each year and was officially recognized by the United Nations in 1977. Unlike its male counterpart, International Women's Day receives substantial global attention, with official UN themes, commemorative events, and widespread media coverage.

The day upholds women's achievements, recognizes challenges, and focuses greater attention on women's rights and gender equality to mobilize all people to do their part. The occasion has its roots in labour movements of the early 20th century, with the first National Woman's Day observed in the U.S. on February 28, 1909, when the Socialist Party of America selected the day to honour striking garment workers in New York City protesting unsuitable working conditions.

According to the World Economic Forum, global gender equality is estimated to be achieved by 2133, making both observances crucial in the ongoing conversation about gender parity.

The 2025 theme for International Women's Day is "For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment," marking the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. The day features major UN events, government proclamations, marches, demonstrations, and widespread corporate and educational campaigns.

Two Days, Different Receptions

The contrast between the two observances is stark. While International Women's Day generates international headlines, corporate campaigns, and official government recognition, International Men's Day operates largely within grassroots communities and specialized organizations focused on men's well-being.

This disparity doesn't diminish the importance of addressing men's issues. Statistics reveal pressing concerns: 87% of rough sleepers are men, 73% of people who go missing are male, 76% of suicides are by men, and 8.7% of men are alcohol dependent.

As November 19th, 2025 came and went with little public notice, advocates for men's issues continue their work throughout the year—proving that meaningful change doesn't always require headlines, just consistent commitment to wellbeing and equality for all.

Learn More:

International Men's Day: https://internationalmensday.com
International Women's Day: https://www.un.org/en/observances/womens-day

Both observances remind us that gender equality benefits everyone, and that celebrating the positive contributions of all people—regardless of gender—strengthens communities worldwide.

Elke Porter at:
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TAGS: #International Mens Day #IMD 2025 #Mens Mental Health #Positive Male Role Models #Gender Equality #Celebrating Men And Boys #WBN News Global #Elke Porter