“A historic and landmark moment”
The first ever Parliamentary debate on the floor of the House of Commons chamber for International Men’s Day (November 19th) will take place on Thursday, November 17th. This follows the first ever endorsement by a Prime Minister and Government as Rt. Hon. Theresa May MP stated last week: “I recognise the important issues that this event seeks to highlight.”
This highlights the growing seriousness now taken by both Government and Parliament in tackling a range of issues affecting men and boys. These include male suicide, men’s health, educational underperformance, homelessness, fatherhood, sexual violence, domestic abuse, workplace safety and post-traumatic stress disorder. A number of these issues were discussed last year, when for the first time, there was a Westminster Hall debate on these matters.
As well as the Parliamentary Debate, there are over 30 events and campaigns marking International Men’s Day across the UK, all with the theme of Making a Difference for Men and Boys. These range from health events, mental health campaigns, domestic abuse conference campaigns, staff events, exhibitions, debates, plays and educational days.
The International Men’s Day team in the UK, said: “This is a historic and landmark moment. With both the Prime Minister’s and the Government’s support, and now with a full Parliamentary debate, there is now clear proof of the growing acceptance and recognition of issues of inequality affecting men and boys. We look forward to politicians from across the political spectrum taking part in the debate.”
“For far too long, issues affecting men and boys have never been on the political agenda leading to a lack of interest, little focus and minimal services. Both the Prime Minister and Parliament have now given a clear signal to all other politicians, and the public sector as a whole, of the need to step up to the plate by ensuring they have both practical policies and are taking action.
“We are now starting to move to a gender inclusive society where issues affecting men and boys are recognised in the same way as issues affecting women and girls rightly are.”
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