Celebrating International Men’s Day: A Call to Embrace Balance and Equality
Tanaz Buhariwalla
Director - South Asia at IDA Ireland | International Trade & Growth Adviser | Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Champion | TiE Mumbai Charter member
November 19th is celebrated as International Men’s Day - a day to celebrate the achievements and contributions of men while reflecting on the challenges they face. In conversations with a number of my male friends, I notice how many face challenges, a number of them often-overlooked issues impacting their mental health and emotional well-being, as they are burdened by societal norms and expectations.
In most cultures, men are conditioned to embody strength, stoicism, and self-reliance. Vulnerable isn’t a word to be associated with a man. While these traits can be admirable, they, more often than not, come at a cost. The stigma surrounding vulnerability means many men suppress their struggles, choosing silence over seeking support. This silence has consequences. Studies repeatedly show that men are less likely to seek help, and help for mental health challenges is a far cry!, despite the growing awareness around emotional well-being and its importance.
It is perhaps time to redefine masculinity and breaking stereotypes, to being able to acknowledge vulnerability, foster empathy, and support others. We talk of gender equality in context of women more often. Gender equality, however, is not just a women’s issue; it benefits everyone. Men gain when we create equitable workplaces, nurture open communication in relationships, and raise future generations free of rigid stereotypes. This isn’t about taking something away; it’s about sharing the responsibility of building a balanced, compassionate society.
As we celebrate the men in our lives today—fathers, brothers, partners, colleagues, and friends—let’s also commit to listening more deeply, supporting more meaningfully, and creating a world, where, asking for help is seen as a strength, not a weakness.
Here’s to International Men’s Day: a reminder that in embracing equality, we all grow stronger together.
#InternationalMensDay #MensHealth #MentalHealthMatters #GenderEquality #InclusiveSociety
AGM - International Sales at Value Beverage
1moThe other challenge I find in this case is the admonishing & ridicule that some times comes, with men expressing their feelings especially that of being overwhelmed or emotional about something. This is also one major contributing factor to men bottling up their emotions which some times eventually boils over one day.
Senior Manager, ERIF Partnership, Neom
1moGreat perspective
IF IT'S TOUGH GIVE IT TO US – Global Search for Transformational Board Directors, MD/CEOs/CXOs. Crafting careers , Mentor, Seasoned Sales Veteran , INTERVIEWEE skills
1moTanaz Buhariwalla very well said - and spot on -- men are supposed to be TOUGH and self-reliant & resilient ........... vulnerability / showing emotions is a weakness -- has been drilled into us from childhood - at home , school society MEN DON'T CRY - is the adage WRONG - we are also human