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International Men’s Day is celebrated today, November 19, as an initiative established in the United States by Thomas Oaster, director of the Center for Men’s Studies at the University of Missouri-Kansas. This date is dedicated to paying special attention to men’s health, highlighting their constructive role in society, promoting gender equality, promoting peace and non-violence.
In Argentina this day is not as widespread as Women’s Day, but its commemoration date is tied to the international one, November 19. Some countries such as Colombia, Honduras and Bolivia, Men’s Day is celebrated on March 19 because that date celebrates Saint Joseph of Nazareth, adoptive father of Jesus.
This day obtained support from several organizations, such as the UNESCO Women and Culture of Peace Program, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
This Men’s Day seeks to promote men’s health care and non-violence, among other things (Photo: Adobe Stock).
Read also: When is Women’s Day and why it is commemorated
What are the highlights of International Men’s Day
In November 2009, 6 basic pillars of International Men’s Day were ratified, with the aim of serving as a basis for future entities or people who wanted to celebrate it. They can be summarized in the following:
- Promote positive and more normalized male role models. Many times it seems that man sees himself in movie star models, famous athletes, when the reality is that a hard-working man from everyday life with a dignified and honest life predominates.
- Celebrate man’s contributions to society, to the family, to the care of children and the environment.
- Emphasize the health and well-being of men, both physically and spiritually and emotionally.
- Highlight discrimination against men in social attitudes and expectations.
- Improve gender relations and promote gender equality.
- Create a safer and better world where men can reach their full potential.
Read also: When is the next national holiday and why it won’t be a long weekend
Men’s Day: who was Saint Joseph
Joseph of Nazareth, according to Christian tradition, was the husband of Mary, the mother of Jesus, thus being the putative father of Jesus. It appears in the gospels of Matthew and Luke of the Bible. He is described as a craftsman, specifically a carpenter, a profession that is believed to have been taught to Jesus.
How is Saint Joseph of Nazareth celebrated in relation to International Men’s Day, and what significance does he hold in honoring men and father figures?
As a website editor for world-today-news.com, I am pleased to present an interview with two guests on the topic of International Men’s Day, its significance, and its relationship to Saint Joseph of Nazareth. The first guest is Dr. Thomas Oaster, Director of the Center for Men’s Studies at the University of Missouri-Kansas, who initiated International Men’s Day in the United States. The second guest is Father Juan Carlos Herrera, a Catholic priest and expert on Christian tradition, who shares his perspective on Saint Joseph and his role in the celebration of Men’s Day.
Dr. Thomas Oaster: Hello, thank you for having me. I’m happy to discuss International Men’s Day and its purpose. Can you tell me a bit about how the idea for this event came about and what inspired you to initiate it?
Dr. Thomas Oaster: Of course. Well, I think it’s important to acknowledge that men’s health is often overlooked, and there was a need to raise awareness about the issues they face. Men suffer from higher rates of suicide, cardiovascular disease, and other health problems. Additionally, there are societal expectations that can be detrimental to their well-being. International Men’s Day provides an opportunity to address these issues and promote positive change.
Father Juan Carlos Herrera: Hello, glad to join you. I’d like to talk about Saint Joseph of Nazareth, whose feast day is celebrated on March 19 in some countries. Can you tell us about the origin of his veneration and how it relates to Men’s Day?
Father Juan Carlos Herrera: Saint Joseph has always been revered as a protector of families and workers. His feast day has been celebrated for centuries, particularly in Italy, where he is considered the patron saint of workers and craftsmen. In recent years, there has been an effort to link his feast day with Men’s Day as a way to honor all fathers and guardians who play a vital role in raising children and maintaining stable families.
Dr. Thomas Oaster: That’s fascinating. So how do you see the connection between International Men’s Day and gender equality?
Dr. Thomas Oaster: Our society often portrays masculinity in a restrictive way,
