Why International Men’s Day Matters – And Why We’re Talking About It

Every year on 19 November, International Men’s Day invites us to pause and reflect on the role men play in our families, communities, and society. More than just a celebration, it's a powerful opportunity to shine a light on the very real challenges that many men face and to start the conversations that can make a difference.

While International Women’s Day is widely recognised and celebrated, International Men’s Day remains less understood. That’s why raising awareness is so important. It gives us the opportunity to encourage connection, promote mental well-being, and celebrate positive contributions by men of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life.

What is International Men's Day About?

International Men’s Day is not about competing with women’s rights or replacing International Women’s Day. It is about creating a more inclusive world where both men's and women's experiences are acknowledged and valued.

The day focuses on six key pillars:

• Promoting positive male role models (not just celebrities, but everyday men leading by example)
  
• Celebrating men's contributions to family, work, community, and caregiving
  
• Focusing on men’s physical and mental health and well-being
  
• Addressing the challenges boys and men face across the lifespan
  
• Improving gender equality and relations
  
• Creating a safer, more supportive world for everyone



The Challenges Men Face

While every person is different, many men across Australia share common struggles that often go unnoticed or unspoken. These include:

Mental Health & Suicide

Despite growing mental health awareness, stigma still prevents many men from reaching out:

• Men account for 75% of suicides in Australia, or 6 out of 8 deaths by suicide each day
  
• Men aged 85 and older have the highest suicide rate of any demographic in Australia
  
• Many men mask distress with workaholism, anger, or withdrawal
  
• Mental health services are often underutilised by men, especially in rural and CALD communities
  
  

Social Isolation & Loneliness

Men, particularly older men or those who have experienced life changes like retirement, divorce or bereavement, often report increased isolation:

• Many don’t feel comfortable engaging in support groups
  
• Social expectations discourage emotional openness or vulnerability
  
• Without regular social contact, physical and mental health can deteriorate
  
  

Pressure to "Man Up"

Cultural and societal expectations still define masculinity in limiting ways. Boys and men are often taught to:

• Suppress emotion
  
• Avoid asking for help
  
• Be self-reliant at all costs
  
  

For men from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds, these pressures can be compounded by:

• Language barriers
  
• Cultural stigma around mental health
  
• Limited access to culturally safe support services

The Role of Positive Role Models

Positive male role models play a crucial role in reshaping what masculinity can look like. Role models show that:

• Seeking help is a sign of strength
  
• Empathy and care are leadership qualities
  
• Fatherhood, caregiving, and emotional support are powerful acts of love
  
  

At FOCUS Connect, we are proud to support and work with men who embody this strength, compassion, and quiet resilience every day.

Why This Matters to FOCUS Connect

At FOCUS Connect, we see these challenges firsthand. We work with men across all ages and backgrounds, from young fathers and adult carers to elderly men living alone. 

We support:

• Older men in our aged care services who may feel isolated or disconnected
  
• Young and single fathers who are navigating parenting without support
  
• Men from CALD backgrounds, who face language, cultural, and access barriers
  
• Carers, many of whom are men, quietly supporting partners or parents without formal assistance

Whether it's through care coordination, social connection programs, mental health support, or simply being a safe place to talk, our goal is to reduce isolation, promote well-being, and empower men to thrive.

Men as Carers — The Hidden Role

When we think of carers, we often picture women — but across Australia, around 1 in 3 unpaid carers is male. These men are supporting ageing parents, partners with chronic illness, children with disability, and loved ones in palliative care.

Unlike many women in caring roles, male carers are less likely to identify themselves as “carers” and are far less likely to seek formal support such as respite services, financial help, or counselling. Many simply see it as fulfilling a duty — not a role they can or should get help with.

At FOCUS Connect, we regularly support men who are:

• Looking after ageing spouses while managing their own health
  
• Caring for elderly parents in multigenerational households
  
• Parenting solo while juggling work and family pressures
  
• Experiencing burnout and isolation without realising they’re eligible for support
  
  

This silent group of carers often:

• Miss out on entitlements
  
• Experience high rates of stress and loneliness
  
• Avoid peer support groups due to stigma or discomfort
  
• Downplay their emotional needs
  
  

We know that asking for help doesn’t always come naturally, especially when cultural expectations or traditional gender roles are in play. But we also know that when male carers are supported, their health improves, their relationships are stronger, and their ability to continue caring is more sustainable.

At FOCUS Connect, we’re working to change the narrative. Through respectful outreach, practical support, and culturally aware services, we help male carers feel seen, respected, and equipped — not just for the people they care for, but for themselves.

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