IT’S International Men’s Day today – at least it is in over 40 countries across the globe. A bit ridiculous really as it’s a work-day for most of those who are supposed to be taking part.

Some “special days” rate a public holiday but IMD doesn’t fall into that category – not yet, anyway. And that’s not surprising, as it’s only been in existence for three years here, although it was started in 1999 in Trinidad and Tobago, of all places, by Dr Jerome Teelucksingh.

Probably because of the work-day problem, the national celebration is tomorrow, with Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe scheduled to speak at a mass rally in Benoni, Gauteng. Locally, there’s a special event in Mdantsane next week – on Wednesday – “for people to reflect on the contributions and progress made by men in society”, according to one of the organisers, Xolamzi Sam.

For those not familiar with the aims of IMD, global co-ordinator Warwick Marsh says, on http://lifecentrew.org/2010/11/international-mens-day/, that although it’s “growing at an exponential rate around the world” its focus remains the same “even in all this excitement”.

And that is? “To promote positive male role models; not just movie stars and sportsmen but everyday, working class men … to celebrate men’s positive contributions to society, community, family, marriage, child care … 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 law … to improve gender relations and promote gender equality ….”

Here, national group the Positive Men’s Movement of SA make their own aims obvious with a link to the SA Network of People Living with HIV and Aids, and last year’s emphasis that “not all men are bad people”.

In some countries there are additional aims. In India, for example, they’re worried about the problems men encounter during their old “unproductive” age and the growing “disdain and disrespect against male sexuality”. There are calls there for a State Commission for Men, according to Men’s News Daily. One of its aims is to provide social, occupational and financial security to farmers, fishermen, artisans and other crucial service providers so as to “stop their suicides”.

Another cause is domestic violence. English website Anti Misandry – which carries the legend “curing feminist indoctrination” – advertises a book, Abused Men – The Hidden Side of Domestic Violence by Philip W Cole. I hadn’t thought much about that until one of my favourite TV shows dealt with the topic. Seeing a burly cop being abused mentally and physically – and feeling ashamed and unable to fight back – was quite shocking.

I’m not totally sold on any of these “divisive” days. I’d rather see a few “Humanity” days – but anything that promotes compassion and understanding can’t be all bad. So, since some of my best friends are men (as they say in the clichés), have a great one, guys. Today’s Chiel is Stevie Godson. E-mail her at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it