They are considered strong (okay, they are), so a day dedicated to them has not been established, as is usually the case for the weak and the oppressed. However, men have their own special health needs, both mental and physical. For this reason, they have taken the initiative to highlight them, organizing a global action, Movember, which lasts all of November, but also establishing November 19th as an International Day dedicated to them.
What do you know about Movember?
Movember as an inspiration began in 2003, in Melbourne, Australia, when a group of friends had the idea to bring the mustache back into fashion as a fun challenge. That is where the term comes from, from the words "moustache" and "November". In this initiative, they decided to give a purpose: to raise awareness about men's health. Thus, the Movember movement, which is now known worldwide, was born.
Movember's goals
Awareness about men's health revolves – through the corresponding communication campaigns – mainly around informing about 3 important challenges that men face:
· Prostate cancer: This is the most common cancer in men worldwide.
· Testicular cancer: It is a type of cancer that is less common, but neglected, most of the time.
· Mental health and suicide prevention: Movember focuses on reducing stigma and promoting open discussion about men's mental problems.
In the practical part (who said that men can't be practical when they want to?), the Movember movement has set a goal of raising money. Funds raised through donations fund research, support programs, and awareness campaigns.
Promoting prevention
As part of Movember, men are encouraged to visit the doctor, get tested, and take care of their physical and mental health.
How Movember works
· Grow a Mo
Participants, known as "Mo Bros", grow their moustaches throughout November, sparking conversations and raising awareness about men's health issues with their new look.
· Support from women
"Mo Sistas" participate by organizing events and encouraging men to support the cause.
· Created activities
In addition to growing a mustache, the movement also includes physical activity actions, such as running races (Move for Movember), as well as fundraising initiatives, such as fundraising.
The positive impact
Since its inception, Movember has raised over $1 billion and funded more than 1,250 projects related to men's health, with a presence in more than 20 countries.
The message of Movember
The message is clear: taking care of men's health is vital, and everyone can play a role in this effort.
November 19 – International Men's Day
November 19 of each year has been established as International Men's Day and is recognized in more than 70 countries.
The message of the Day focuses on the contribution of men to the family, society, and culture, as well as on the health issues they face. Although it has a global appeal, it remains a relatively unknown celebration, especially in Greece, but also in other countries.
The establishment of the holiday
The idea was proposed in 1991 and was finally established in 1999, in the islands of Trinidad and Tobago. The holiday was established by Dr. Jerome Tilaksing, to emphasize the need to highlight men's issues, such as health inequalities, and their contribution to the family and society. However, the holiday is not officially recognized by the UN, which limits its visibility in some countries.
Why is International Men's Day neglected in Greece?
Unlike Women's Day, Men's Day was not associated with mass social movements or historical struggles, which made its acceptance difficult.
Also, in our country, gender stereotypes, such as the view that the role of men is considered a permanent conquest, reduce the sense of the need to institutionalize such a dedicated day.
Finally, this specific day has not been supported by organizations or institutions in Greece, or internationally, while information and promotion of actions around it are minimal.
We must accept that any discussions and information, on the occasion of International Men's Day, offer an opportunity to recognize the importance of men's health, as men have a lower life expectancy and face greater risks of suicide than women. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of men as husbands, fathers, and members of the community.