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06 December, 2009

IRELAND OBSERVES INTERNATIONAL MEN'S DAY FOR FIRST TIME ON 19 NOVEMBER 2009


To celebrate 2009 International Men's Day on Thursday 19th of November NEWSTALK had an entire show dedicated to men. The show was hosted by Tom Dunne and ran for the entire morning. NEWSTALK is a national broadcaster and is 'world class' having received several accolades at the PPI awards, the Irish Radio Oscars. This will be Ireland's first ever celebration of the event.



ITALY OBSERVES 2009 INTERNATIONAL MEN'S DAY


In November 2009 Giorgio Ceccarelli, law graduate and a practicing lawyer announced that International Men's Day was formally recognized in all Italian organisations to which he is President: Children Denied Association, Daddy's Pride, Army Fathers and Cultural Association "I Love Alatri". On November 19 several activists also rallied outside the Colosseum as part of thier IMD celebration. This was the very first observation of November 19 IMD in Italy!

Giorgio Ceccarelli wrote: "The message of the Italian Association is open to all men that contribute to moral growth, cultural and economic development of all. Benjamin Franklin said .... 'The good men may do separately is small compared with what they may do collectively.' If this statement were applied in all countries of the world we would live better. The global IMD initiative excludes, of course, the infamous men who behave badly type".



GHANA FATHERHOOD INITIATIVE FOUNDATION CELEBRATES 2009 INTERNATIONAL MEN'S DAY BY DONATING BOOKS TO SELECTED SCHOOLS


Students from some of the invited schools to which books were donated on 2009 International Men's Day pose for a group photograph

Ghana Fatherhood Initiative Foundation ("GFIF") is a registered NGO in Ghana established to promote and encourage committed,available and responsible fatherhood in Ghana and to appreciate fathers. Samuel NiiTeiko Tackie, founder and President of GFIF organized an International Men's Day event which involved donating books to selected Schools in Mamprobi-Accra to conside with Universal Children's day. Press releases to selected radio stations in the regional Capitals in Ghana have been sent and interviews about the event took place.
International Men's Day was on the 19th, and the book donation occurred on 20th November at the Mamprobi Polyclinic, Mamprobi-Accra.




A LOOK AT THE FIRST INTERNATIONAL MEN'S DAY OBSERVANCE IN CHINA HELD BY MEN'S HEALTH MAGAZINE



In 2003 Men's Health Magazine held the first International Men's Day in China. The event was held in Beijing and received a positive response from all sectors of society: Sina, Sohu, BTV Charm Frontline, CCTV Arts Express, Shanghai Oriental Satellite TV, Modern Times, The Beijing Youth Daily, Beijing Evening News and other national media which tracked the event. Themes highlighted on the day included men's health and fashion. According to Ms Carrie Xu, PR manager of TRENDS, the International Men's Day is jointly promoted by Men's Health, FHM, and Esquire.

Organizers stated, "In today's society, more and more the fast pace of work and life of modern men often leaves them feeling physically exhausted, yet struggling to maintain a high spirit and commitment to work and life, with added social and family pressures. Moreover, men are born with a sense of responsibility to always maintain strength and tolerance, to not flinch at any time, and to ignore their own fragility. It is precisely these factors which make them reluctant to share their feelings which is why we hear little about the physical and mental-health concerns of men. Thus we call on the community to show some concern for "men's issues" and to help them find ways to alleviate the pressure so that they can relax and enjoy their own real day. This will help men take care of their own physical and mental heath and contribute to a happier life and work."




WHAT IS INTERNATIONAL MEN'S DAY ALL ABOUT?


International Men's Day began on November 19th 1999 in Trinidad and Tobago and was supported by the United Nations. The event received wide support from men's groups in USA, Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean. Speaking on behalf of UNESCO, Ms. Ingeborg Breines, Director of Women and Culture of Peace said, “This is an excellent idea and would give some gender balance.” She added that her organisation was looking forward to cooperating with organisers of IMD.

Objectives of International Men's Day include a focus on men's and boy's health, improving gender relations, promoting gender equality, and highlighting positive male role models. It is an occasion for men to highlight discrimination against them and to celebrate their achievements and contributions, in particular for their contributions to community, family, marriage, and child care. The November IMD is a significant date as it interfaces the popular 'Movember' charity event and also with Universal Children's Day on Nov 20 with which IMD forms a 48 hour celebration of men and children respectively, and of the special relationships they share.

The ability to sacrifice your needs on behalf of others is fundamental to manhood as is honour. Manhood rites of passage the world over recognise the importance of sacrifice in the development of Manhood. Men make sacrifices everyday in their place of work, in their role as husbands and fathers, for their families, for their friends, for their communities and for their nation. International Men’s Day is an opportunity for people everywhere of goodwill to appreciate and celebrate the men in their lives and the contribution they make to society for the greater good of all.

During the past ten years methods of commemorating International Men's Day have included public seminars, classroom activities at schools, radio and television programs, Church observances, and peaceful displays and marches. The manner of observing this annual day is optional; any organizations are welcome to host their own events and any appropriate forums can be used. Early pioneers of IMD reminded that the day is not intended to compete against International Woman's Day, but is for the purpose of highlighting men's experiences. Each year a different theme is highlighted, such as peace in 2002, men’s health in 2003, sacrifice in 2008, and positive male role models in 2009. In consultation with organizers from other nations the following broad objectives of IMD are observed:

To promote positive male role models; not just movie stars and sports men but everyday, working class men who are living decent, honest lives.

To celebrate men’s positive contributions to society, community, family, marriage, child care, and to the environment.

To focus on men’s health and wellbeing; social, emotional, physical and spiritual.

To highlight discrimination against men; in areas of social services, social attitudes and expectations, and law.

To improve gender relations and promote gender equality.

To create a safer, better world; where people can be safe and grow to reach their full potential.


International Men's Day is celebrated in Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, Australia, India, Italy, United States, New Zealand, Moldova, Haiti, Singapore, Malta, South Africa, Ghana, Hungary, Canada, China, and the United Kingdom. Join us on 19 November 2010 in celebrating the contribution men make to those around them, to their family and friends, their work place and the community, the nations and the world.




HOUSE OF UMOJA, INC. ANNOUNCES “NEXT STEPS” FOR “READING IS RESISTANCE” COMPONENT OF PHILADELPHIA’ S OBSERVANCE OF NATIONAL MILLION FATHER MARCH

CONTACT:   Queen Mother Falaka Fattah President and Chief Executive Officer House of Umoja, Inc. (215) 473-5893 E-Mail:  falakafattah@aol.co...