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International Men's Day was inaugurated in Barbados in 2009 by MESA (Men’s Educational Support Association), a non-governmental organisation founded in 2000, continues in its mandate to “educate, motivate and empower males towards becoming good fathers, caring spouses and responsible citizens, through precept, example and the general pursuit of excellence” through workshops, discussion and counselling.
The role of men in today’s society
11/22/2009
By Danielle Holder
This past Thursday (November 19), several countries around the world observed International Men’s Day.
Founded in Trinidad and Tobago in 1999, this day and its events have since then garnered support from the United Nations, as well as several groups in Australia, North America, Asia, Europe, Africa, as well as other territories in the Caribbean.
On this day, special attention is paid to raising awareness of the issues collectively faced by men in the global community (health-related, economic, social, etc.), highlighting their achievements, improving the relationships and interactions between men and women and celebrating the contributions made by those male role models in our respective societies.
Even though the day is not officially celebrated in Barbados, MESA (Men’s Educational Support Association), a non-governmental organisation founded in 2000, continues in its mandate to “educate, motivate and empower males towards becoming good fathers, caring spouses and responsible citizens, through precept, example and the general pursuit of excellence” through workshops, discussion and counselling.
It is hoped that men are not relegated to only two days a year – Men’s Day and Fathers’ Day. It is true that we often blame them for the many problems and shortcomings experienced today. However, it is safe to say that the world just would not function without them, and so we must show our appreciation to them for all that they have done and continue to hold them to a higher standard so that they will be encouraged to do so much more.
One place where the presence (or absence) of men is certainly felt is the home. The family has long been considered the backbone and the fabric of the society. As such, the role of the male as husband, provider, father and/or father figure has strong and long-lasting implications for those in their lives. While single mothers have shown that they are beyond capable of raising strong, dedicated and upstanding men, we have also seen the effect that an absent father can have on children – both boys and girls – into adulthood. |
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