International Men’s Day

International Men’s Day on November 19th 2023

Join the gentlemen of UGNJAMZ as they talk about some incredible things to inspire when it comes to men, this Sunday morning from 9 am on Dave P Morning Show.

This year, International Men’s Day is held on Sunday 19th November 2023.

Many organizations and people hold events and activities the week before and the week after, especially if it falls on a weekend like this year (generic undated IMD images can be found in the images section). Please do not be constrained by the day of the week.

The UK themes for the Day which are used every year and help maximise participation are:

• Making a positive difference to the wellbeing and lives of men and boys
• Raising awareness and/or funds for charities supporting men’s and boys’ wellbeing
• Promoting a positive conversation about men, manhood, and masculinity

These overarching themes provide a framework to help organizations think about what specific theme they want to use for their particular event and activity that is applicable to them.  It is a perfect way for employers/organizations to display their Equality Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) credentials. We keep it general because people/organizations have told us they do not want to be constrained by one specific theme on one specific topic.

Many adapt/convert the above to a theme/message/slogan that suits their organization or campaign. For example, some use:

• general messaging (“supporting men and boys” “Helping men and boys’ wellbeing” “we take men who contact us seriously”)
• allyship (“supporting our male employees/colleagues/workers” and potentially insert examples like “…with their mental health, to see a GP, etc”)
• mental health (“improving men’s mental health” “It’s OK to talk” “It’s good to talk” or “I/We are here to listen”)
• health (“better men’s health”or “better health for men and boys” or “get yourself checked” or “remember to check yourself for XYZ)
• community (“supporting men in our community” or “celebrating the difference men and boys make to our community/school/business/sports team/lives/families/women and girls)
• togetherness (“looking out for our mates” “making time for old mates” or making time to make new mates” or “reaching out to mates who are finding it tough”)
• learning events (“learn about male victims of domestic abuse / sexual violence/prostate cancer)
•  promote services (please call our/their helpline / visit our service),
• father/dad events (“supporting new dads” “dads of the year/hero dads”  or “involving fathers in pregnancy”)
• others run events fundraising for a male charity (“raise funds for x” – see our charity list) whilst others hold “your most inspirational man” or “help boys get reading” campaigns.

With over 600 organizations taking part every year in the UK, it is impossible (and is not inclusive) to be prescriptive and tell organizations large and small what they should do. Hence the overarching themes help guide everyone.

Source: UK Men’s Day