International Men’s Day 19 November Australia Celebrates

Parliamentarians the media and invited guests attended a special celebration at Australia's Parliament House yesterday as part of world-wide activities for International Men's Day.

International Men's Day began on 19 November 1999 in Trinidad and Tobago through the efforts of Dr Jerome Teelucksingh and was supported by the United Nations. The event received wide support from men's groups in USA, Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean. Speaking on behalf of UNESCO, Ms. Ingeborg Breines, Director of Women and Culture of Peace said: “This is an excellent idea and would give some gender balance”, adding that her organisation was looking forward to cooperating with International Men’s Day. 

Diane Sears, editor of ‘In Search of Fatherhood’ and USA coordinator said, “The world needs men. Men are the key architect of our bridge to the future. And our children are our future – our bridge to the future. Yes, men are necessary. Every day in their usual unassuming way, men offer each of us valuable life lessons.” With Diane’s words of encouragement we can all get out of our comfort zone and celebrate ‘International Men’s Day’.

Uma Challa is the coordinator for the International Men’s Day, India. She said, “Men render many services that make the society comfortable for everyone. Men make many contributions to science, technology and the health of all. Men perform the most dangerous and difficult jobs in the world. Men take risks and die to save other lives during calamities and war. Men bring humor into our lives and make us laugh.”

Warwick Marsh, Australian coordinator for International Men’s Day said, “Today in Parliament House, Canberra we are celebrating a significant milestone for the men’s movement. Dr Elizabeth Celi, psychologist and men’s health author, is the keynote speaker. Today we will be emphasising the objectives of International Men’s Day, as proposed by Dr Teelucksingh, Improving gender relations between men and women.; Addressing the problems and challenges that men face; Promoting gender equality; Highlighting positive male role models; Creating a safer, better world.”

Warwick Marsh continued, “It is amazing what happens when men get together. Here in Australia a few friends got together over a beer in the city of Melbourne and started what is known as ‘Movember’. Movember has raised millions of dollars for men’s health and is now celebrated around the world. ”

“Historically 19th November is also an important day for Australia. It was on that day in 1941 that 645 men paid the ultimate sacrifice when the HMAS Sydney was sunk during a naval gun battle in World War II. Lest we forget!”