Given the significant role T&T played in adding prominence to the annual observances of International Men’s Day, it was unfortunate that the event passed off yesterday with barely a mention locally. Apart from an event at the Magdalena Grand in Tobago organised by the Single Fathers Association of T&T, there was little to acknowledge an event that deserves a place of significance on the national agenda.
While the concept for International Men’s Day was first introduced by men’s rights advocate Professor Thomas Oaster in 1992, it was right here in T&T that the celebrations began to gain more prominence and popularity. For that full credit goes to university lecturer Dr Jerome Teelucksingh who got things going with an event at the headquarters of Families In Action in Newtown, Port-of-Spain, on November 19, 1999.
As his rationale for organising the celebration, Dr Teelucksingh said he realised there was no day for men. He felt there was a need to celebrate good male models and in tribute to his father, who had been an excellent role model, Dr Teelucksingh chose his father’s birthday for the inaugural event.
Since then, the annual observances have grown in significance globally. International Men’s Day is now celebrated in more than 70 countries with the longest running observances taking place in Malta since 1994.
Recent events have brought into sharp and painful focus the many challenges related to males and masculinity in T&T. The high incidence of domestic violence, abuse, dysfunctional families and gender imbalances, the frequency with which violent crimes are recorded, are all problems which seem to have their genesis with the large number neglected and hurting men and boys in this country.
Solutions to many of these deeply embedded social problems remain elusive. That is why it is so important that an observance that puts the focus on men’s and boys’ health, gender relations, gender equality, and positive male role models needs to be given significant space on the national calendar.
Considering all that’s frequently very wrong in this country, an opportunity to appreciate and celebrate the men of T&T and the contribution they make to the greater good of this society should never be squandered. The exemplars need to be celebrated, their efforts acknowledged in ways that inspire others.
It could be that International Men’s Day is not high among national celebrations because it is yet not an official UN observance. However, there is a petition in circulation calling for the UN to make it an official international observance in the interest of equality. By contrast, International Women’s Day, which has been around in one form or another for more than 100 years, is celebrated here, with activities and demonstrations taking place over several days.
This year’s theme for International Men’s Day, Working To Expand Reproductive Options for Men, puts the spotlight on the reproductive issues that affect men and boys, including family planning, men’s limited reproductive choices, sexual health and safe sexual practices. It could have served as an important platform for discussions about the cultural, legal, technological and educational issues that men confront as they progress to and through relationships and parenthood.
Sadly, little or nothing of that nature took place in T&T. November 19 came and went like another ordinary day and an important platform for highlighting issues of males and masculinity at a critical time in this country’s development was lost.
