International Men's Day 2022

On November 19th, the world comes together to celebrate International Men’s Day (IMD).

IMD was first celebrated in 1999 courtesy of Dr Jerome Tuluck Singh who while commemorating his father’s birthday in 1999, encouraged the world to use this day to highlight issues facing men and boys the world over. Over the last 22 years, different far reaching and impactful themes have been adopted each year to focus on matters that can improve welfare of men and boys. This year is no different with the global theme being “Helping men and boys”.

"Helping men and boys" presents itself in various ways, one of them being, addressing of specific issues that lead to healthier and happier lives for men and boys. At 渣打银行 , Africa and Middle East Region, we are adopting the Australian theme this year, which is, making time for friends and building better social connections to commemorate the day. In doing this, we hope to raise awareness on how friendships and social connections can help men and boys enrich their lives.

Friendships are great positive forces. We build friendships and make social connections to make life brighter. It is common knowledge that friendships make one happier and healthier. Social research findings show that “having a good social network could have a greater effect on your life expectancy than a regular spin class or treadmill session”- Imagine that!

I recently walked around the office to get views on how my fellow male colleagues view friendships and it was interesting to note that they value their friendships because of the social impact that comes with it. Things seem less scary when someone feels they have a circle to lean on. In my own personal submission friendship means a state of lasting affection, esteem, and trust between two (or more) people. My social connections and friends give me a sense of belonging, purpose and have been instrumental in shaping my life and offering much needed guidance even in difficult situations, after all, a problem shared is half solved! I have been intentional in building social connections and building camaraderie within my circles. The insights, knowledge, experience and laughter shared around these circles calms you down and proves that friendships also make the intractable look far less challenging.

While having many friendships can be pleasurable and fun, it is the quality of our social relationships, the strength of the connections we build that most contribute to our health and well-being. It’s not always easy to develop or maintain friendships but it is important to understand why we need?the friends we have and the value of the people around us as well as what one can do to nurture the connections and friendships that serve us,?challenge us and make us the best version of ourselves.??

Today, I would like to thank and celebrate all men and encourage them to continue connecting with people and to know that friends are more than just people to have a drink /coffee with at the end of a long week — friends can make you better, they can increase your engagement in all areas and help you live a healthy life in general.

And remember ... a friend?is?one?of the?nicest things you can?have. And?one of the best things you can?be! Happy international Men's Day to all you stellar gents!

#internationalmensday #friendship #wellbeing #mentalhealth #leadership

Photo - taking a well earned tea break with good friend, Rami Abi Sleiman, PHR, MCIPD