Inspirational quotes from famous Scottish men to support International Men’s Day

International Men’s Day is an annual celebration of the achievements and contributions of boys and men, and takes place on 19 November each year.

It falls in the same month as Movember, which raises awareness of men’s health issues like prostate cancer and male suicide by asking men to grow moustaches for donations.

But what are the origins of International Men’s Day, how do people celebrate, and what’s this year’s theme?

What are the origins of International Men’s Day?

Despite gender disparity usually favouring men, International Men’s Day (IMD) was not celebrated until over two decades after the UN recognised International Women’s Day, in which was established in 1977.

The first IMD was made official more than 20 years later, on 19 November 1999.

Dr Jerome Teelucksingh, the founder of the celebration, decided upon the date as it was his father’s birthday.

Today, the celebration of men and boys and their diversity is celebrated annually on 19 November across 80 countries, including the UK.

What do we celebrate on International Men’s Day?

The day is built upon the six pillars:

- To promote positive male role models

- To celebrate men’s positive contributions to society, community, family, marriage, child care, and to the environment

- To focus on men’s health and wellbeing; social, emotional, physical and spiritual

- To highlight discrimination against men

- To improve gender relations and promote gender equality

- To create a safer, better world for men to live in