“The girls are always getting celebrated. We’re just made to feel like a problem.”
Powerful words from a secondary-school aged boy during our research for The Voice of the Boys report which launched last month. This International Men’s Day it’s more relevant than ever as the theme is ‘Celebrating Men and Boys’.
Here’s where we are:
- 79% of boys in Great Britain aren’t sure what masculinity is.
- Boys say the only time they hear ‘masculinity’ it usually has the word ‘toxic’ in front of it.
- Boys from our research shared there’s things for girls – skateboarding, coding, and engineering clubs – but nothing for them.
- According to the Lost Boys: State of the Nation report, 41% of sixth-form boys and girls have been taught in school lessons that boys are a problem for society.
Meanwhile, men in the UK make up 75% of all suicides, are more likely to die from cancer and heart disease, and are more likely to smoke, drink alcohol, and take drugs. Men’s worse mental and physical health means they have a lower life expectancy than women which is compounded by socio-economic status as in the most deprived areas, a man is 3.5 times more likely than a woman to die before the age of 75.
For those asking why we need International Men’s Day – this is it.
Patriarchy hurts men and boys too. Our work to bring gender equity to workplaces across the UK is for the benefit of both men and women. Because the inequalities that affect women’s careers and lives often affect men negatively too.
We can only change things by partnering together to create a better world for us all. So, this means celebrating men and boys as well as women and girls. Protecting men and boys as well as women and girls. Encouraging men and boys to be whatever they want to be, as well as women and girls.
Celebrating ordinary extraordinary men
Let’s celebrate the ordinary men who make a difference to other men’s and boys’ lives through their work, volunteering, or community spirit.
Our research found that boys lack male role models at school because the majority of teachers across England (76%), Scotland (89%), Wales (74%), and Northern Ireland (77%) are female.
Men and boys are discouraged from careers that are deemed to not fit in with masculine norms, such as carers, teachers, support workers, nurses. By proudly being in and excelling in these careers they’re expanding the gender stereotypes. That men and boys can be caring, curious, and encouraging as well as strong, responsible, and courageous.
With 81% of boys in our research saying they don’t feel there are enough spaces to be a boy today – the men who volunteer at local Scout halls, cadets, youth clubs, etc. are giving boys spaces to be. To learn, play, and figure out who to be a boy. And the men who teach or care for others are showing boys that they can be anything they want to be, even if it doesn’t fit into gender stereotypes. We can’t lose sight of how important these role models are.
Does this sound like someone you know? Celebrate them with us today.
Get involved
We’ve created a public gallery that celebrates men in these roles, access it here and download a picture that resonates with you. Think of someone in your life who deserves to be celebrated for the much-needed positive role model they are for boys (and other men too).
Whether you share publicly on social media or privately in person, join us to celebrate an ordinary extraordinary man this International Men’s Day.
Our graphics celebrate:
- The carer
- The nurse
- The Scout leader
- The coach
- The support worker
- The youth worker
- The teacher
- Dads
- Men and boys (cooking)
- Men and boys (mechanics)
Share the picture and some brief words on social media using the hashtags: #CelebratingMenAndBoys #CelebratingMaleRoleModels #IMD #InternationalMensDay #MaleAlliesUK
How celebrating men and boys makes a difference
Only hearing ‘masculinity’ with the word ‘toxic’ in front of it, or only hearing ‘boys’ talked about as lost, predators, or predators-in-waiting has a real impact.
Talking about real issues that need tackling, like male violence against women, is valid and necessary work. But let’s make sure to add some balance – because without it, boys are growing up accused before they’ve done anything wrong, lacking support and care, and feeling intense pressure to be a certain way.
Whether you think of yourself as one or not, men are role models for boys in their lives. They look up to you, they want to be like you, they see what’s possible as a man based on the men they see around them.
So, the men who give their free time or dedicate their careers to being ordinary, extraordinary men are making a difference. Every day. Let’s show our gratitude.
Men who are celebrated for being allies more likely to continue
It feels good to do good, but it also feels good to be recognised for it. Through our allyship work and research we’ve found that male allies are more engaged, and stay active for longer, when they’re recognised for their efforts.
This isn’t about putting men on a pedestal for doing the bare minimum – which we’ve written about here – but it’s about recognising time, effort, and impact when it’s deserved.
It’s possible they don’t even realise the impact they’re having. Let them know this International Men’s Day.