Celebrating International Men's Day in Kakadu

International Men’s Day (IMD) is celebrated very year in November and is marked in a round 80 countries, it recognises that there are a broad variety of laws, values and viewpoints around the world that affect men and boys in different countries, in different ways.  
There is also a diversity of opinions about those laws, values, and viewpoints, which are held by people of different genders and gender identities throughout the world.
As a day observance IMD places focus on that which unites humanity, giving everyone who wants to celebrate IMD the opportunity to work together towards the day’s six key objectives, which apply equally to all males irrespective of their age, ability, social background, legal status, race, beliefs, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
IMD is a great opportunity to take part in a global conversation about manhood, masculinity, and men’s issues by:
• Highlighting some of the social issues men and boys face
• Making a difference for the men and boys in your community
• Celebrating men and boys in all their diversity
• Having some serious fun in the process
Some of the “men’s issues” that men and boys in Australia include:
• 3 out of 4 suicides are men
• 2 out of 3 violent deaths are men
• Men die 6 years younger than women on average
• Boys underperform girls at every stage of education
• Dads want to be more involved in their children’s lives face a range of barriers

Despite the overwhelming evidence that men and boys face a range of issues related to their physical, mental, and social health and wellbeing, many people still persist in promoting a range rigid gender stereotypes and cliches like:
• “Man Up”
• “Boys don’t cry”
• “Men and boys don’t need help” and
• Every day is International Men’s Day
The fact is, everyday isn’t International Men’s Day, only 19th November every year is International Men’s Day.
In Jabiru, NT Health – AOD in conjunction with Alpa, Red Lily, Djurrubu Rangers, Clontarf and other organisations within Kakadu facilitated a Community Event at the Bininj Kunwok Centre.  
Clarrie Nadjamerrek from Djurrubu Rangers was the keynote speaker, with the event being a huge success.  It was fantastic to see men & boys take time out to share conversations around topics like male role models, health & wellbeing, safer place for them, their families, culture, land, career, and community.