madhumsr

Wednesday, March 14, 2007

International Men’s Day

The objectives of celebrating an International Men’s Day include improving gender relations, promoting gender equality, producing responsible males and highlighting positive male role models. The observance of International Men's Day seeks to address problems and challenges facing men. These issues include the involvement of men in domestic violence, drug abuse, fathering, homicides, sports, media, power, politics, religion, parenting, war, suicides and family life. The ultimate goal of the Men’s Day is to promote unity and create a safer, better world. This community was made to address and seek solutions for the problems facing males in today's society.

Individuals, international associations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and religious bodies will be contacted to assist in the observance of this special day. There is also a need for the regular hosting of international conferences on men to address issues and seek solutions. Hopefully, in the long-term we can make International Men's Day an annual worldwide event with beneficial results. It is hoped that men interested in improving themselves and reforming other males would be part of this ongoing "Men's Revolution" and annually celebrate International Men's Day.
At work, in our communities, schools and religious institutions, there should be dialogue between both sexes for greater understanding and tolerance. Thanks for your support and advice in this endeavor as we strive for gender equality and attempt to remove the negative images and the stigma associated with men in our society.

Onward Men of the World

Sons, fathers, brothers, daughters, mothers and sisters, come join the uphill struggle for peace and equality. It will take decades, centuries, probably longer than we expect. But let us keep the faith and persist. Cooperating and consolidating, until our dream is achieved, until we display and receive respect. Discussing, discovering and enforcing. Our remedies for ills and issues will strengthen society’s sinews. A fire has been lit, and a movement for positive change quickens its pace. So accept the baton as a global revolution commences.

A Vision for Peace and Equality. Come men of the world, young and old, belonging to different classes, religions and races. Let us unite forces to change cold hearts and unhappy faces. A world of wars and violence must be no more. Yes, we regret a sad past of violence and gore. Let us rid ourselves of vices many, for the betterment of our womenfolk, children and peace of society. We strive to be role models for the next generation, bringing joy and goodwill to countries, towns and families. Daily we battle temptations and evils, the victors must assist the losers. As together we strengthen our resolve to create a better world.

Men's Code of Conduct

I wanted to share a wonderful Men’s Code of Conduct that was developed on Gender, Family, and Community Violence.

Men's Institute Code Of Conduct

• I recognize that silence is not acceptable and that words alone are not enough, I must act.
• I will put my family first; before friends, community and even self. I will love, protect and provide for my family.
• I will model love and tenderness for my children, spouse/ partner, parents and community.
• I will work to make my home a place of safety and security for my family - A Sanctuary.
• I will be a positive role model for my own family, children and community.
• I commit to showing and sharing my emotions and feelings openly and honestly.
• I will acknowledge my own mistakes and learn from them.
• I am willing to say "I'm sorry" when I make a mistake; and I will show through my actions that I mean it.
• I am willing to learn, change and grow.
• I will act in a manner that is respectful of myself and others.
• I will celebrate my own history and culture, as well as those of others.
• I will be accountable for unearned male privilege and strive for gender equality and equity.
• I recognize that domestic violence is a community issue, affecting everyone, including men and generations to come.
• I will support the development of education across cultures regarding domestic violence as it relates to contemporary societal norms and laws.
• I will support community organizations that provide assistance to families, victims and perpetrators.
• I will help deliver the message that violence is never an appropriate means of communication or problem solving.
• I refuse to abuse.
With a spirit of love and hope, I affirm that I will live by this code, and that I will encourage others to adopt it as well.

Labels: , ,

7 Comments:

Blogger nivedita said...

all that i wish is they borrow some heart frome some female and act with empathy....

9:58 AM  
Blogger Rohan said...

@Nivedita

Your statement seems to indicate that only women have a heart and empathy. That is totally wrong and a feminist view point. You need to look around and open your mind and heart and get more experience of human behaviour. Many times, I wonder whether men have a larger heart. Afteall, they take all the risks and undergo greater pain while women have a choice to remain indoor. (With exceptions)

9:00 AM  
Blogger Bharati Deshpande said...

your wish is met Save Indian family kickstarted the celeberation of International mens day

5:27 PM  
Blogger sunaina bhakhri said...

Hi Madhu.
A quick introduction. I am Sunaina working at Breakthrough, Delhi. This post is most interestingly written andvery sensitively deals with the most pertinent issue of mens involvement in women empowerment And you have managed to put the issue in focus quite well//What comes through is the concern/sensitivity you have exhibited for this issue.// Well, I work on a youth oriented site called www.bellbajao.org and would love for you to blog on it. We have blogs on similar styles and themes, spotlighting those individuals and groups of people who work around the issue of Domestic Violence in particular and Violence against women in general, partnering and collaborating with women who are deeply entrenched in the fight for gender equality.


Please visit the site and do write back to me at sunaina.bhakhri@gmail.com about your thoughts on the campaign.And if you're interested, do blog on the site as well. And if you're a regular blogger, we'd be happy to put you on our blogroll and crosslink your blog page on our site.

Thanks and hoping to hear from you,
Sunaina Bhakhri

11:41 AM  
Anonymous Rohan said...

Ms Sunaina,

The term "Women empowerment" is one-sided and does not take into account the discrimination faced by men. It is based on the false and wrong notion that men have power and women don't have it. If you want men to work for women's empowerment, would you work for men's empowerement too?

Further, violence is not a one-sided affair. Domestic violence is not a male-to-female affair. It can be male-to-male, male-to-female, female-to-male and female-to-female. By addressing just one aspect of this and leaving all other out and by making it an anti-male affair to enhance and aid the concept of "Female victimhood", you do no good. Remember that women are as violent as men and play an active part in domestic violence in the form of nagging, assault, threats, emotional torture, blackmail etc. Hence, gender equality is not a one-way concept. Women's empowerement is a biased concept that does not take into cognisance that men are discriminated in several ways. Men have been discriminated in several ways for centuries. Hence, men also demand gender equality and to be treated on par with women!

1:06 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Ms Sunaina,

The term "Women empowerment" is one-sided and does not take into account the discrimination faced by men. It is based on the false and wrong notion that men have power and women don't have it. If you want men to work for women's empowerment, would you work for men's empowerement too?

Further, violence is not a one-sided affair. Domestic violence is not a male-to-female affair. It can be male-to-male, male-to-female, female-to-male and female-to-female. By addressing just one aspect of this and leaving all other out and by making it an anti-male affair to enhance and aid the concept of "Female victimhood", you do no good. Remember that women are as violent as men and play an active part in domestic violence in the form of nagging, assault, threats, emotional torture, blackmail etc. Hence, gender equality is not a one-way concept. Women's empowerement is a biased concept that does not take into cognisance that men are discriminated in several ways. Men have been discriminated in several ways for centuries. Hence, men also demand gender equality and to be treated on par with women!

1:07 PM  
Blogger Indian Man said...

Do you know when International Men's Day is celeberated ? Do you the purpose behind it?

check www.savefamily.org to find out more about it.
Unfortunately, your idea of IMD doesn't match with ours. Hard Luck.

11:46 PM  

Post a Comment

Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]

<< Home