2. OVERVIEW
International Men’s day was inaugurated in
Trinidad and Tobago by Dr. Jerome
Teelucksingh in 1999.
Today it is celebrated in a number of
countries worldwide such as India, South
Africa, Moldova and Russia to name a few.
Each year the day is observed with a
theme which reflects issues related to men
and boys.
4. International Men’s Day
Themes
“Working together to expand reproductive
options for men” in 2015,
“Working together for men and boys” in
2014 and
“Keeping men and boys safe” in 2013.
Alongside annual themes there are six
objectives or pillars central to the observance
of men’s issues.
5. Six objectives central to men’s
issues
1. To promote positive male role models; not just movie
stars and sports men but every day, working class men who
are living decent, honest lives.
2. To celebrate men's positive contributions to society,
community, family, marriage, child care, and to the
environment.
3. To focus on men's health and well-being; social,
emotional, physical and spiritual.
4. To highlight discrimination against men; in areas of
social services, social attitudes and expectations, and law
5. To improve gender relations and promote gender
equality
6. To create a safer, better world; where people can be safe
and grow to reach their full potential.
6. Caribbean Campaigns
Young men and women alike are those mainly affected by
becoming a statistic of new cases of HIIV/AIDS.
Caribbean campaigns such as LIVE UP seek to spread the
message of “Love, Protect and Respect” amongst the region.
Their media campaigns are broadcasted across various media
houses in an effort to reach all sectors of Caribbean society with
a greater emphasis on youth.
The sentiment of the Jamaican Health Minister Dr. Fenton
Ferguson (Caribbean 360, 2014) to reduce stigmatization and
discrimination associated with the disease is one echoed
throughout society. Through engaging the youth and young men
in particular this can have positive impacts upon changing the
stigma.
7. Resources
Caribbean 360. 2014. "Caribbean urged to do more to deal with
HIV/AIDS stigma, discrimination." Accessed October 26.
http://www.caribbean360.com/news/caribbean-urged-to-do-more-to-
deal-with-hivaids-stigma-discrimination#ixzz416CMBaRE
