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In Australia, men account for three in four suicides, and yet conversations around men's health, identity, and emotional wellbeing are still too often left in the background. International Men’s Day aims to change that. Held each year on 19 November, it's a global movement dedicated to recognising the positive contributions of men and boys while spotlighting the challenges they face. From mental health to role modelling, it’s a day to talk, reflect, and take action—at work, at home, and in the community.
In this guide, we’ll explore the history of International Men’s Day, how it’s celebrated across Australia, and what you can do to get involved in 2025.
International Men’s Day (IMD) is an annual event held to recognise and celebrate the contributions of men and boys while addressing the challenges they face. The day promotes positive masculinity, encourages healthy conversations around men’s issues, and advocates for gender inclusivity.
While often misunderstood or dismissed, International Men’s Day isn’t a backlash to International Women’s Day—it complements it. IMD is about balance and building a world where everyone, regardless of gender, is seen, supported, and valued.
International Men’s Day is observed globally on 19 November each year. It falls just a few weeks after World Mental Health Day and during Movember, making it a timely opportunity to discuss men’s mental health and wellbeing.
In Australia, International Men’s Day is also held on 19 November, and many organisations, schools, and workplaces participate in events and awareness campaigns leading up to the date. Each year, momentum continues to grow as Aussies engage in open conversations about mental health, positive male role models, and gender balance.
International Men’s Day was founded by Dr. Jerome Teelucksingh in Trinidad and Tobago in 1999. He selected 19 November to honour his father’s birthday and a historic football match that symbolised unity in his country.
Since then, the day has been adopted by over 80 countries, including Australia, the UK, India, and the US. It continues to evolve as a space for dialogue, celebration, and advocacy.
IMD matters because it brings attention to key challenges faced by men and boys, such as:
Raising awareness around these issues helps shift cultural narratives, challenge outdated gender norms, and promote mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing for men and boys.
It’s also a day to champion positive masculinity—one that embraces empathy, vulnerability, and strength—and to create a more balanced and inclusive conversation around gender.
The global celebration is anchored in six core objectives, often called the Six Pillars:
Each year, a theme is chosen to guide International Men’s Day events and help shine a light on key issues affecting men and boys. These themes often focus on men’s health, positive masculinity, and encouraging community support. While the 2025 theme hasn’t been released yet, past themes in Australia have included:
Australians can expect downloadable resources, posters, and planning toolkits to be made available once the 2025 theme is announced. These materials make it easier to run local events in schools, community centres, and workplaces across the country.
Yes—International Men’s Day is for everyone. While the focus is on men and boys, the day is inclusive of all genders. It offers a chance to reflect on how we support the people around us, break harmful stereotypes, and work toward equality.
It’s also an opportunity for women, children, and gender-diverse individuals to join the conversation and help shape a more balanced, empathetic culture.
Celebrations vary around the world, but common activities include:
Across Australia, International Men’s Day is marked with a range of local events organised by councils, workplaces, and community groups. In Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and other cities, activities might include public forums, mental health expos, school-based workshops, or community breakfasts. Many employers also use the day as a platform to run internal wellbeing programs or host guest speakers focused on men’s health, resilience, and leadership.
Each year, the Australian Men’s Health Forum and other organisations offer free toolkits to support event planning, making it easier for schools, businesses, and local groups to take part.
There’s no one-size-fits-all way to celebrate International Men’s Day—what matters is creating space for connection, conversation, and recognition. Whether you're at work, in the classroom, online, or out in your local community, here are some ideas to help you mark the day with purpose.
Getting involved in International Men’s Day doesn’t have to be complicated. Start a conversation, raise awareness, or simply show appreciation for the men in your life.
Bring together local voices like youth workers, educators, and men’s health advocates to start conversations around the real challenges boys and men face. Whether it’s in a school hall, library, or online via Zoom, these open forums foster awareness, empathy, and action at the grassroots level.
Get creative with how you raise funds. Think trivia nights, morning teas, fitness challenges, or even workplace donation-matching programs. Support causes like Beyond Blue, The Man Cave, or local men’s homelessness services to turn your event into lasting impact.
Whether it’s in a team meeting, internal newsletter, or LinkedIn post, sharing personal stories about mental health, fatherhood, or navigating tough times helps normalise vulnerability. It also creates space for others to feel seen, heard, and supported.
International Men’s Day isn’t just a date on the calendar—it’s an opportunity to shift the conversation. Whether you’re recognising the incredible men in your life, addressing serious health challenges, or simply creating space for more open dialogue, your actions help make a difference.
One simple way to spark those conversations? Celebrate with food. At Goldelucks, we’ve created a range of International Men’s Day desserts—from cupcakes to donuts—designed to bring people together. Perfect for morning teas or school events, our treats are a low-pressure way to open up discussions around manhood, masculinity, and men’s wellbeing. Hosting something bigger? Our bulk packs make catering easy, and we deliver Australia-wide, so even remote teams can be part of the day.
This 19 November, take the time to start a conversation, show support, or get involved. It matters more than you think.