Key Points
International Men's Day celebrates the contributions men make to society, families and communities around the world..
It's also a time to celebrate the lives, achievements and contributions of boys and men - especially those related to country, marriage, family, community, union and childcare..
The day serves as a reminder to value the positive impact that men have on our lives and to push for social change that promotes compassion and understanding..
Dr Jerome Teelucksingh, a history professor at the University of the West Indies in Trinidad and Tobago, first observed International Men's Day in 1999 in honour of his father's birthday..
In addition to commemorating his father's birthday on 19 November 1989, Dr Teelucksingh decided to celebrate International Men's Day on the same day to commemorate the unification of the Trinidad and Tobago football team, which enabled the nation to qualify for the FIFA World Cup..
