International Men’s Day: Is it a pathway to achieve gender equality?
Sadia Rahman
November 19 is celebrated as International Men’s day. Around 80 countries observe the day with enthusiasm. Despite such gusto, the day appears to be controversial with gender activists frequently questioning the rationality of the day.
Some have seen it as a mere mockery of international women’s day.
The hesitation is somewhat justified as no one can deny that men are the race in power for centuries- dominating and sometimes exploiting the rest of the races.
And the basic concept of feminism combats with this very hierarchy.
Where the establishment of international women’s day on March 8, has endured vigorous protest and bloodshed of a century, to achieve the voting rights- establishment of International Men’s Day does not have any such sanguinary story.
Still the objective of celebrating the day comes up with a promise to work on gender equality.
For years, we have been celebrating women’s day. Has it abolished all the harassment, inequality, discrimination and suppression?
Why shouldn’t we try from a total new perspective?
In the year 1999, Jerome Teelucksingh- a male rights activist, matured the idea of men’s day introduced in early 90’s.
While addressing the activists he cleared the motto of the movement saying, ‘They are striving for gender equality and patiently attempt to remove the negative images and the stigma associated with men in our society.’
If we forget for a moment what Jerome said and look into the existing gender roles, we will be able to see that patriarchy captivates the all genders in certain confinements.
It is the system that gives birth to toxic masculinity and submissive femininity and consequently ills the balance of natural order.
The reason is, patriarchy tries to assert the biological idea of sex into societal impression of gender which should have been two different arenas.
The positive part is, finally there are discussions over such impressions and expectations.
In fact, modern and postmodern gender activists are promoting gender fluidity that releases male, female transgender, basically all of them from imposed societal responsibilities.
In a world where we try to celebrate each and every occasion that come to us, why should we not celebrate a men’s day, which intends to work on gender archetype?
The activists of IMD movement had declared six pillars of International Men’s. The pillars are concentrating on men’s and boy’s health, purifying gender relations, endorsing equality, emphasizing on positive male role models, celebrating their contribution and promoting humanitarian values.
While some have argued that men’s contribution has always been celebrated, no one can deny the rest five agendas have their relevance. Especially, the issue of mental health which the movement has addressed cannot be ignored.
If we can run the rights kind of campaigning for Men’s day celebration, it can contribute to a greater change. To achieve that, activists set different themes each year addressing the burning issues related to men’s interest. This year the theme of International Men’s Day is ‘Better health for men and boys’’.
So, let others run the debate over the rationality of the day while we teach our sons that crying will not make him less of a man. Rather, it will help him letting out emotions and will make him a more sensible man.
When half the world is questioning the depth of the movement, the rest should tell their boys that it is totally alright to scream out of pain if they have wounded themselves falling out of your Bi-cycle.
Above all, it is high time to address the issue of sexual harassment of boy child and men. We must create spaces so that our sons can some to us running in case of physical or mental harassment.
It is important to tell them colours do not have genders and the only problem with having roadside fuchka is it being unhygienic.
It is necessary for our teenage boys to know that it is totally alright to fall for someone who does not feel the same way for him. Respecting the other party will make him a noble man.
Let us tell our beloved, that standing up for their partners will not wound their image but will strengthen their bond.
Let us assure our husbands that doing household work will not reduce his weight rather make the house a healthier place to live in.
Let us convince our fathers that they can tell us how insecure they feel when their kids are outside rather than getting mad at them.
Let us show our gratitude to those men who had been working relentlessly for gender equality, to those who spoke against all sorts of violence, who have been fighting against gender stereotypes.
Let us all celebrate International Men’s day with a hope of a world where the word ‘discrimination’ will be a myth long gone.