Fe-MEN-ism Friday

It's FRIDAY! I'm a FEMINIST! And it's been a while since I've said the words but we're back with another ? FEMINISM FRIDAY ? !

This week, I want to talk about INTERNATIONAL MEN'S DAY!

Missed the boat slightly on this one, but IMD didn't fall on a Friday so I'm blaming the Jacobean calendar. And anyway... it looks like most of the internet missed this one too.

International Men’s Day for those of you missed the memo is November 19th. It's a day that's meant to celebrate men’s contributions to society, highlight male mental health issues, and address the (very real) stigma surrounding men seeking support. And yet, the online world collectively hit snooze.. zzzz. ??

Where were the memes, the posts, the hashtags? Why is International Men’s Day treated like that random holiday you find out about on Twitter after it’s already over? Let’s unpack this, shall we?

First Things First: Does IMD Matter?

Yes, it does. Men’s mental health is a crisis. Globally, men are more likely to die by suicide, underreport health issues, and face societal pressure to “man up” rather than open up. IMD was created to address these issues and provide a space to challenge outdated gender norms that harm everyone... including men.

But here’s the thing: IMD is about addressing gender inequality that affects men. It’s not about shouting, “What about the men?!” every time women discuss their struggles. The day isn’t a rebuttal to feminism; it’s a reflection on how the patriarchy hurts us all. And surprise! Many feminists (myself included) actually support the hell out of that message. After all, dismantling toxic masculinity is a team sport. GOOOO SPORTS! ?? ?? ??

So Why the Radio Silence Online?

Let’s be real: part of the problem is bad PR. International Women’s Day has decades of feminist movements, brands, and celebs rallying behind it. IMD? It often flies under the radar because people don’t know what to do with it. Are we supposed to post shirtless pics of Ryan Gosling? ?? Share stats about male suicide rates? Buy beer? Society hasn’t built a clear script for celebrating men without veering into cringe territory... or worse, anti-feminist rhetoric.

And let’s not ignore this nugget of truth: A lot of the men who do bring up IMD are the same ones who troll feminist threads on IWD, typing furiously, “When’s International Men’s Day?” Bro, it’s November 19th. Every year. Just put it in your calendar already.

The Bigger Issue: Emotional Labour

Here’s the tea: women (and other marginalised groups) often lead the charge in creating awareness for issues like IWD or Pride Month. We organise, advocate, and make sure these dates don’t fade into obscurity. Meanwhile, men are rarely taught to do the same. Who’s talking about IMD? Not enough men. If you want people to care about a day that celebrates men, maybe... just maybe...men need to be the ones leading the conversation. (Wild idea, I know.)

Feminists have already been doing a lot of the heavy lifting. We’ve pointed out how rigid gender roles harm men. We’ve campaigned for paternity leave, encouraged men to cry, and dragged society for glorifying “grind culture.” So, dear internet, where are the men rallying for themselves on IMD? Where’s the collective call for mental health support, work-life balance, and breaking the cycle of toxic masculinity?

What Can We Do Next Year?

1. Talk About It Before It Happens. The internet can be loud AF when it wants to be... so why not hype IMD the way we do IWD? Share stats, resources, and personal stories. Men need spaces to feel seen and supported, too.

2. Rethink “Manly” Messaging. Not every IMD campaign needs to scream “sports and steak.” Celebrate kindness, vulnerability, and diverse masculinities. Show men that their worth isn’t tied to how much they bench press.

3. Include Allies. Feminists, mental health advocates, and gender equality organisations... bring us in. We want to help. We just don’t want to hijack the narrative.

TL;DR: Let’s Make IMD Matter

The internet’s indifference to International Men’s Day is a symptom of a bigger problem: society’s inability to talk about men’s issues without resorting to outdated stereotypes or anti-feminist drivel. But here’s the thing... men deserve better, and feminists want better for them. Let’s start amplifying the voices that advocate for men’s health, happiness, and humanity. Maybe next year, IMD will finally get the attention it deserves.

So, mark your calendars, folks. November 19th. Spread the word. And if anyone asks, “When’s International Men’s Day?” send them this post with a side-eye emoji for good measure.

See you next Friday (probably)! ??