International Men's Day is celebrated to highlight the positive difference that men bring to the world, communities and to their families. It also raises awareness about men's well-being and issues that men face on a global scale.

Theme:

The theme for this International Men’s Day is “Making a Difference for Men and Boys”. It focuses on the need to value men and boys and to help people who make practical improvements in the health and well-being of men and boys globally.

History

It was in 1999 that International Men's Day was established by Dr Jerome Teelucksingh. He was a lecturer of History at the University of the West Indies. 
Since 1960's people wanted to celebrate International Men's Day equivalent to International Women's Day on February 23.
Organisations in the United States, Europe and Australia in the early 1990s held small events in February at the invitation of Thomas Oaster who directed the Missouri Center for Men's Studies at the University of Missouri, Kansas City. 
Oaster successfully promoted the event in 1994 but in 1995, the event was not successful. Then, on November 19, 2003, the Maltese Association for Men's Rights continued to observe the event each year in February. The Maltese AMR Committee in 2009 voted to shift the date to November 19, at the request of Australian International Men’s Day organisers.

The day is celebrated in a number of ways including public seminars, activities in classrooms to promote the day. Panel discussions and lectures, award ceremonies, art exhibitions are also held to bring attention to the day. Every year, this day is celebrated with a particular theme.

International Men's Day is celebrated with an objective to improve men's and boys’ health, improve gender relations, to promote gender equality and to highlight the positive role of male models.