Observing Int'l Men's Day

THE EDITOR, Sir:

THE INTERNATIONAL Men's Day Committee is calling on organisations and individuals throughout the Caribbean and around the world to join with them in celebrating International Men's Day (IMD) today. While the committee has received an overwhelming response from groups in North America, the Caribbean and Europe, there is still plenty of work to be done to get people throughout the world to recognise the importance of this special day for men.

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 annual observance of International Men's Day on November 19 also seeks to address problems and challenges facing men. These issues include the involvement of men in domestic violence, drug abuse, fathering, sports, power and politics, religion, parenting, suicides and family life.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), which is based in Paris, France, has come out in support of International Men's Day (IMD) which started in Trinidad in 1999. Speaking on behalf of UNESCO, Ms. Ingeborg Breines, director of Women and Culture of Peace, said: "This is an excellent idea and would give some gender balance." She added that her organisation was looking forward to co-operating with the organisers of the IMD.

We are also hoping to receive the unequivocal support of the wonderful citizens of Jamaica and other Caribbean islands.

HARRACK

BALRAMSINGH,

hbalram@tstt.net.tt

La Romaine,

Trinidad,

Via Go-Jamaica

Back to Letters