History of International Men's Day in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: November 20, 2024

International Men's Day (IMD), observed annually on November 19, is a global awareness day highlighting the challenges men face, such as parental alienation, abuse, homelessness, suicide, and violence. The day's objectives are outlined in the 'Six Pillars of International Men's Day.' Beyond raising awareness of these issues, IMD is also a celebration of the positive contributions men and boys make to their families, communities, and societies, including their roles in nation-building, family life, and childcare.

1922: Red Army and Navy Day Established

The Red Army and Navy Day was established in the Soviet Union in 1922. This date, February 23rd, was informally viewed as a counterpart to International Women's Day in some areas.

1968: Call for International Men's Day

American journalist John P. Harris wrote an editorial in 1968 calling for an International Men's Day, highlighting the perceived gender inequality of celebrating International Women's Day without a corresponding day for men.

1989: Trinidad and Tobago Football Team Unites Nation

On November 19, 1989, Trinidad and Tobago's football team's efforts to qualify for the World Cup united the country. This date was later chosen for International Men's Day.

February 1991: International Men's Day Conception

The project of International Men's Day was conceived in February 1991.

February 1992: International Men's Day Inauguration

International Men's Day was inaugurated in February 1992 by Thomas Oaster.

1993: Small IMD Events Held

Small International Men's Day events were held in the United States, Australia, and Malta in February 1993 at the invitation of Thomas Oaster.

February 1994: Malta's Celebration of IMD

Malta began celebrating International Men's Day in February 1994, marking the longest-running celebration of the event.

1994: Malta's First IMD Celebration

The Association for Men's Rights in Malta initiated the celebration of International Men's Day in 1994, marking the beginning of the longest-running local IMD observance globally.

1994: Continued Promotion of IMD

Thomas Oaster continued to promote International Men's Day events in 1994.

1995: Malta Awards Contributions to Men's Rights

Starting in 1995, the Malta IMD celebration included awarding individuals for their significant contributions to men's rights, such as efforts towards legal changes benefiting men in separation or divorce cases.

1995: Decline in IMD Participation

Thomas Oaster's attempts to promote International Men's Day in 1995 saw poor attendance, leading him to cease further promotion.

November 1999: Trinidad and Tobago's First IMD

Dr. Jerome Teelucksingh founded International Men's Day in Trinidad and Tobago in November 1999, choosing his father's birthday as the date and aiming to celebrate positive male role models.

1999: IMD's Inception in Trinidad and Tobago

International Men's Day originated in Trinidad and Tobago in 1999.

1999: Re-initialization of IMD

The project of International Men's Day was re-initialized in 1999 in Trinidad and Tobago.

November 2001: Jamaica's First IMD Observation

Jamaica observed IMD for the first time in November 2001 with a church service, an educational session for male students, and a public forum featuring discussions on men's health and reproduction.

2002: Peace Theme for IMD

Peace was suggested as a secondary theme for International Men's Day in 2002.

2002: Defender of the Fatherland Day

The Red Army and Navy Day was renamed Defender of the Fatherland Day in 2002.

November 2003: Australia Re-establishes IMD Observance

Australia re-established the observance of International Men's Day on November 19, 2003.

2003: Proposed Alternative Date for IMD

A Chinese fashion magazine proposed August 3rd as International Men's Day in 2003, aligning with International Women's Day on March 8th, and claimed to have submitted a proposal to UNESCO.

2003: Men's Health Theme for IMD

Men's health was the suggested secondary theme for International Men's Day in 2003.

2003: International Men's Day Launch in Australia

Phil Gouldson launched the first International Men's Day event in Australia in 2003, after being invited by Trinidad and Tobago's Harrack Balramsingh.

2004: Red Rose Campaign and Critique of IMD Focus

In 2004, Gouldson initiated a campaign encouraging men to wear red roses on IMD. Academic Michael Flood criticized the focus on men's health, arguing for a broader scope, while Gouldson defended the focus.

November 2007: First IMD Celebration in India

In November 2007, the first International Men's Day (IMD) celebration took place in India, organized by the Indian Family, a men's rights organization.

2007: Healing and Forgiveness Theme

Healing and forgiveness was the suggested secondary theme for International Men's Day in 2007.

November 2008: First Formal IMD Celebration in the UK

International Men's Day was formally inaugurated in England (and the UK) in November 2008 by University of Kent students.

November 2008: Formal Inauguration of IMD in the UK

The student group 'The Bishopden Boys' at the University of Kent formally inaugurated IMD in England and the UK in November 2008.

December 2008: First Annual IMD event in South Africa

In December 2008, the first annual International Men's Day event was held in South Africa. It included a march and rally advocating peace and justice.

2008: Honour and Sacrifice Theme for IMD

In 2008, Dads4Kids Organisation highlighted the theme of "honour and sacrifice" for International Men's Day, referencing the sinking of HMAS Sydney and the sacrifices men make daily.

2008: IMD Events in Singapore

International Men's Day (IMD) events in Singapore in 2008 included a forum on men's issues and a baby and kids' fashion contest.

2008: Second IMD Celebration in India

International Men's Day (IMD) was celebrated again in India in 2008, with plans to continue annually.

2008: Initial IMD celebration in South Africa

South Africa celebrated IMD on December 6, 2008, in partnership with POMESA and NAPWA.

January 2009: Malta Shifts IMD Celebration to November 19th

In January 2009, the Maltese Association for Men's Rights voted to move its IMD celebration from February 7th to November 19th to align with global observances.

May 2009: South Africa changes IMD date

In May 2009, South Africa decided to align its IMD celebration with other countries, changing the date from December 6 to November 19 starting in 2009.

November 2009: First Observance of IMD in Italy

In November 2009, Italy observed International Men's Day for the first time, with lawyer Giorgio Ceccarelli announcing its formal recognition in several Italian organizations. Activists also rallied outside the Colosseum as part of the celebration.

November 2009: Second Annual IMD in South Africa

In November 2009, South Africa held its second annual IMD celebration on the internationally recognized date.

November 2009: Ireland's First IMD Celebration on Newstalk

Irish broadcaster Newstalk dedicated a full day's programming to International Men's Day (IMD) for the first time in November 2009.

November 2009: Inaugural IMD Celebration in Hungary

Writer Marie Clarence organized the first International Men's Day (IMD) event in Hungary in November 2009, promoting gender balance and equity.

2009: Ghana's Inaugural IMD Celebration

Ghana hosted its first International Men's Day celebration in 2009, marked by a formal event, book donations, and a focus on responsible fatherhood.

2009: Corporate Sponsorship of IMD in India

In 2009, International Men's Day (IMD) in India secured its first corporate sponsorships from Allen Solly and HBO.

2009: Government Funding and Parliamentary Recognition of IMD in Australia

In 2009, several Australian local governments funded IMD events for the first time. Minister Nick Goiran addressed the Western Australian Parliament about IMD, promoting gender equality and positive male role models.

2009: Singapore Dads for Life Movement Launch

In 2009, the National Family Council in Singapore launched the "Dads for Life" movement as part of IMD.

2009: Positive Male Role Models Theme

Positive male role models was the suggested secondary theme for International Men's Day in 2009.

2009: Malta Shifts IMD Date

The Maltese AMR Committee voted to shift the date of International Men's Day to November 19 in 2009.

November 2010: Planned IMD Celebration in Denmark

A group in Denmark planned their own International Men's Day celebration in November 2010 to promote positive male role models.

November 2010: IMD Events in Brighton and Hartlepool

In November 2010, Brighton held an IMD conference for professionals, while Hartlepool hosted an IMD evening for young people aged 13-19, focused on health and gender equality.

November 2010: Grenada's Commitment to IMD

In November 2010, Grenada reaffirmed its commitment to gender equality and celebrating IMD, which included an address by Prime Minister Tillman Thomas.

November 2010: Magnet Young Men's Health Event Launch

In November 2010, the Deputy Mayor of Newry and Mourne Council launched the Magnet Young Men's Health Event. The event aimed to address the health needs of young men in the district, offering health checks and discussions on the challenges and opportunities they face.

November 2010: St. Kitts and Nevis' Inaugural IMD

St. Kitts and Nevis first celebrated IMD in November 2010, with events including a health fair, church service, and panel discussion on men's issues, organized by the Ministry of Gender Affairs.

2010: Our Children's Future Theme

"Our children's future" was the suggested secondary theme for International Men's Day in 2010.

2010: Moustache-Growing Competition for IMD in France

Discovery Channel France launched a moustache-growing contest for International Men's Day (IMD) 2010.

2010: IMD in Hong Kong

Hong Kong marked IMD in 2010 with free cable car rides for men and discussions in China about whether men needed their own special day, similar to women's half-day off on International Women's Day.

2010: Roundtable Event for Men's Health Policy in Scotland

In 2010, the Men's Health Forum of Scotland (MHFS) held a roundtable event to discuss developing a national men's health policy. Attendees included representatives from the Scottish Government, NHS, and the Voluntary Health Sector.

2010: Antigua and Barbuda inaugurates IMD

In 2010, the government of Antigua and Barbuda officially inaugurated International Men's Day, celebrating with public observations, speeches, and TV interviews.

2010: Inaugural IMD in Muzaffargarh, Pakistan

International Men's Day (IMD) was inaugurated in Muzaffargarh, Pakistan, in 2010 by the human rights organization 'Rights and Rights'.

November 2011: Cuba's Inaugural IMD Observance

Cuba held its first IMD observation in November 2011.

November 2011: IMD Conference and Events in Ireland

In November 2011, Ireland hosted a European conference on childhood care and education, coinciding with International Men's Day (IMD), along with other local events.

November 2011: First IMD celebration in Tanzania

In November 2011, Youth Challenge International and partners held the first International Men's Day celebration in Tanzania, focusing on positive male role models and education.

2011: Botswana Celebrates IMD

Botswana celebrated International Men's Day for the first time in 2011, with a focus on fostering youth creativity and raising funds for children's music education.

2011: St. Lucia's IMD Awareness Campaign

In 2011, St. Lucia's Crisis Center led an IMD awareness campaign, sharing information about the day's objectives with media and educational institutions.

2011: Welsh Government Accused of Sex Discrimination

In 2011, the Welsh Government faced accusations of sex discrimination for funding International Women's Day but not International Men's Day, sparking a debate about equal recognition.

2011: Cayman Islands' First IMD Observation

The Cayman Islands first observed International Men's Day (IMD) in 2011 with two events: a football tournament and expo, and a roundtable discussion on giving boys the best start in life.

2011: First IMD in Bosnia-Herzegovina

The Society Development Association "Kap" initiated the first International Men's Day (IMD) program in Bosnia-Herzegovina in 2011, focusing on men's health and gender equality.

October 2012: IMD Celebration

International Men's day was celebrated in the weeks leading up to October 12, 2012.

November 2012: Burundi's First IMD Celebration

Burundi celebrated International Men's Day for the first time in November 2012, with a focus on denouncing violence against men.

November 2012: Seychelles celebrates IMD at National Government level

In November 2012, Seychelles became the first country to celebrate IMD at a national government level. Minister Meriton emphasized the need to move away from negative stereotypes of men and promote positive masculinity.

November 2012: Ukraine's Inaugural IMD Event

Ukraine first recognized International Men's Day in November 2012 with a 'Meet the Press' event focusing on men's health and longevity, organized by the Ukrainian News Agency.

2012: Second IMD Observance in Cuba

In 2012, Cuba observed IMD for the second time, with events held at the Sculpture Workshop Gallery of Rita Longa, focusing on reflections about the day and gender equality.

2012: Planning for IMD 2012

Stakeholders planned for the 2012 International Men's Day celebrations in Botswana following the success of the inaugural event.

2013: Planned IMD Celebration by TAMRA

The Tanzanian Men's Rights Organisation (TAMRA) planned to celebrate International Men's Day in 2013.

November 2014: Cayman Islands' Fourth IMD Celebration

In November 2014, the Cayman Islands marked their fourth IMD celebration by highlighting men's contributions to society, featuring a short film about issues affecting boys' lives, a football tournament, and a message from Premier Alden McLaughlin.

November 2014: World Record Set for Largest Male Yoga Class

On November 2014, a new world record was set for the largest all-male yoga class at the National Sports Centre in Douglas, with 110 men participating.

2014: IMD Events and Advocacy in India

During International Men's Day (IMD) 2014 in India, various events took place including an art gallery, protests for men's rights, and advocacy for legal reforms.

2014: Expansion of IMD in the UK

In 2014, over 25 organizations across the UK held IMD events, including two in the House of Commons.

2014: Address to Western Australian Legislative Council on Men's Issues

Liz Behjat addressed the Western Australian Legislative Council on men's lives and issues for International Men's Day 2014.

2014: St. Lucia's IMD Celebration

The St. Lucian government held an IMD event in 2014, focusing on appreciating men's leadership and sacrifice, addressing men's and boys' health, gender relations, and positive role models.

2015: Parliamentary Debate on Men's Issues

In 2015, a debate on men's issues was introduced in the Palace of Westminster on IMD, endorsed by then-Prime Minister Theresa May.

2015: Cancellation of IMD Events at University of York

Planned IMD events at the University of York in 2015 were cancelled after objections from staff, students, and alumni.

February 2016: Romania Passes Law for National Men's Day

In February 2016, the Romanian parliament passed a law declaring November 19th as National Men's Day.

November 2016: Romania Officially Recognizes IMD

As of November 2016, Romania became the first country to officially recognize International Men's Day as a national day.

2016: Growth of IMD Events in the UK

Over 60 IMD events were held across the UK in 2016.

2016: No IMD Events at University of York

The University of York did not plan any IMD events in 2016 despite a counter-petition.

2017: IMD Celebrations and Bike Rally

In 2017, as part of International Men's Day (IMD) activities, a bike rally and other awareness events were organized.

2018: Largest IMD Celebration in the UK

2018 marked the largest IMD celebration in the UK to date, with over 200 events.

2018: Small-Scale Promotion of IMD in New Zealand

A small group promoted International Men's Day in New Zealand in 2018, although the event lacked official government support.

2018: Large-Scale IMD Celebration

International Men's Day (IMD) was celebrated with over 40,000 people in 2018, including a bike rally to Nandi Hills.

2018: Protest for Men's Rights in Kolkata

The Avijan trust organized a protest in Kolkata on International Men's Day (IMD) 2018, demanding gender neutrality in law and other reforms.

2019: #HealthyHim Campaign for Prostate Cancer Awareness

In 2019, a #HealthyHim campaign focusing on prostate cancer awareness was launched in association with hospitals in Bangalore for IMD.

2019: Focus on Making a Difference for Men and Boys

The 2019 IMD theme encouraged making a difference and giving men and boys better life chances, with over 200 events taking place.

2019: IMD Event at Rave 3 Mall in Kanpur

The Daaman Welfare Society & Trust hosted an IMD awareness event in Kanpur in 2019 at Rave 3 Mall.

2020: Establishment of Ongoing IMD Themes

In 2020, three themes were established for IMD, which have continued to be used, including in 2023.

2022: Significant Growth of IMD Participation

An estimated 600 organizations participated in IMD 2022, with over 100,000 tweets and a Parliamentary Debate led by Nick Fletcher MP.

2022: Pre-International Men's Day activities in Nigeria

In 2022, Nigeria held pre-International Men's Day activities. The theme was "Men Leading by Example." Sanmi Falobi, the IMD coordinator, encouraged organizations and individuals to highlight men's positive values.