International Men’s Day is on 19 November. It focuses on men’s health, positive role models and the quality of life of boys and men.
The date is 19 November.
How to use the International Men’s Day Countdown#
- Check the date. International Men’s Day is on 19 November every year.
- Choose what to count to. Stay on the next International Men’s Day, or look a year further ahead.
- Plan around it. The weekday and the weeks left are listed, so you can see at once how it fits your week.
Where it comes from#
The modern day was started in 1999 by Dr Jerome Teelucksingh in Trinidad and Tobago, who picked 19 November partly because it was his father’s birthday. It’s observed in dozens of countries but isn’t an official United Nations day. Its stated aims include improving gender relations, promoting equality and raising awareness of men’s health and well-being, including suicide prevention.
Taking part#
Common themes are mental health, fatherhood and mentoring. Workplaces run health talks, schools hold assemblies, and charities use the day to raise money for men’s health. For individuals, it’s a good prompt to have a check-up, or to ask a friend how he is really doing. Plan an event three or four weeks ahead.
When is International Men’s Day in the next few years?#
International Men’s Day is on 19 November every year.
| Year | Date | Day of the week |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 19 November | Thursday |
| 2027 | 19 November | Friday |
| 2028 | 19 November | Sunday |
| 2029 | 19 November | Monday |
| 2030 | 19 November | Tuesday |
The six pillars#
The organisers of International Men’s Day describe six areas of focus: promoting positive male role models, celebrating men’s contributions to society, focusing on men’s health and wellbeing, tackling discrimination against men, improving gender relations, and creating a safer, better world. The day sits alongside, not against, International Women’s Day, as part of the same conversation about gender equality.
Health, in plain numbers#
In most countries men have a shorter life expectancy than women, and men account for a large majority of suicide deaths worldwide. Men are also less likely to see a doctor early or to talk about low mood. The day is often used to encourage health checks, such as blood pressure, cholesterol and, for older men, prostate screening, as advised by a doctor.
If you are struggling, speak to a doctor, a counsellor or someone you trust. If you are in immediate danger, call your local emergency number.
Workplaces and schools#
A talk on mental health, a men’s health check-up day or a mentoring session with older and younger staff works better than a poster. Aim for four weeks of lead time with any outside speaker.
| When | What to do | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 4 weeks out | Choose the topic and book a speaker | Fri 22 October 2027 |
| 2 weeks out | Send invitations | Fri 5 November 2027 |
| On the day | Talk, check-ups or a mentoring lunch | Fri 19 November 2027 |
In 2027 the date falls on a Friday, which makes it a workday for most.
Facts and context#
- The day is observed in more than 80 countries, although it is not recognised by the United Nations.
- Around the world, men are much more likely than women to die in workplace accidents, in road crashes and by suicide.
- Research on loneliness suggests that many men lose close friendships in their thirties and forties as work and family take over.
Whatever you think of the day, it is a reasonable prompt to ask a friend how he is. The day is the counterpart of International Women’s Day in March, and it falls the day before Universal Children’s Day on 20 November, which is a good reason to plan a family weekend around both.
Starting a conversation at work#
A simple, low-cost idea is a lunchtime talk or an informal check-in. Many men do not talk about stress or low mood with colleagues, so a short session led by someone who has been through it can open the door. Share where to get help, such as the company’s employee assistance programme, and make it clear that using it is not held against anyone. Keep the tone respectful of everyone, and invite people of all genders.
Frequently asked questions#
19 November.
No. It’s observed by many countries and organisations but isn’t on the UN calendar.
On 8 March. See the women’s day countdown.
No. The UN has not adopted it as an official day, although it is marked in dozens of countries and supported by some governments, universities and charities. Its supporters stress that the day is meant to support gender equality and does not compete with International Women’s Day. The date, 19 November, was chosen by its founder in 1999.
Use the day to look after your own health: book a check-up or a blood pressure test if you are due one. Check in on a friend or a relative who has gone quiet. Workplaces can host a talk on mental health or fatherhood, and schools can invite local role models to speak. Nothing needs to be grand, and a conversation counts.