International Men's Day 2020: History, theme, quotes and wishes to appreciate men worldwide

This year, International Men's Day theme is "Better health for men and boys" intending to make practical improvements to the health and wellbeing of the male population.

International Men's Day is celebrated every year on November 19. The day is observed to commemorate the achievements and contributions of men and boys to the nation, society, community, family, marriage, and childcare.

International Men's Day was inaugurated in 1992 on February 7 by Thomas Oaster. In 1999, the event was revived by Jerome Teelucksing. He chose November 19 to acknowledge his father's birthday and to celebrate how on that date in 1989 Trinidad and Tobago's football team had united the country with their efforts to qualify for the World Cup.

In India, the inaugural celebration of the day was organized by the leading Indian Men's rights organisation named Indian Family on 19 November 2007.

The International Men’s Day website states: ‘We provide suggestions on how you can celebrate International Men’s Day, and how to get your local community and council involved to create a community event and or a special award ceremony.

The month of November is important for the masculine soul because it gathers several events that are important to men. November is the month we focus on raising money for mens’ health.

So we have plenty of reasons to celebrate International Mens Day. We invite you to check out our fact sheet on how to run a community event for International Mens Day. Feel free to use the International Mens Day Logo or adapt the IMD logo into your own language as the French have done.

You might like to thank some men who are positive male role models in your community and use our IMD Appreciation Award certificates. You can download our posters and other resources here.

International Men’s Day encourages men to teach the boys in their lives the values, character and responsibilities of being a man. Mahatma Gandhi said, “We must become the change we seek.” It is only when we all, both men and women, lead by example that we will create a fair and safe society which allows everyone the opportunity to prosper.’

Some International Men's Day Wishes

Thank you for keeping my faith in good men intact! You deserve nothing but the best. Happy International Men's Day.
Men are a beautiful creation of the Almighty but they are not perfect, so it’s normal that they have several errors. Happy International Men’s Day!
No man stands so tall as when he stoops to help a child. Happy International Men’s Day!
A man does what he must – in spite of personal consequences, in spite of obstacles and dangers and pressures – and that is the basis of all human morality. - John F Kennedy
A good man would prefer to be defeated than to defeat injustice by evil means. - Sallust
Being male is a matter of birth. Being a man is a matter of age. But being a gentleman is a matter of choice. - Vin Diesel
But know this. Men are not from Mars. Women are not from Venus. Do not fall for categories. Everyone is everything. Every ingredient inside a star is inside you, and every personality that ever existed competes in the theatre of your mind for the main role. - Matt Haig