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As we observe International Men’s Day this year under the theme “Inspiring men and boys,” we are called not only to celebrate the achievements and contributions of men but also to reflect deeply on how we can inspire the next generation to embrace a more authentic, healthier, and compassionate form of strength. This theme challenges us to consider the legacy we leave behind not just in terms of success, but in how we shape the understanding of manhood for boys growing up today.
For too long, many cultural norms and societal expectations have defined masculinity narrowly. Boys and men are often told, explicitly or implicitly, that strength means silence, emotional stoicism, and bearing burdens alone. Messages like “man up,” “boys don’t cry,” and “be tough” have been ingrained in us from childhood, shaping attitudes that discourage vulnerability and emotional openness. While these beliefs were often well-intentioned, meant to prepare men for the challenges of life, they have unintentionally become barriers that isolate men emotionally and prevent many from seeking support when they need it most.
The consequences of these norms are visible in global mental health statistics. Men consistently show lower rates of help-seeking behaviour for mental health issues compared to women, and tragically, this contributes to disproportionately high rates of suicide among men. According to the World Health Organization, male suicide rates globally are nearly double those of females. In many countries, men account for roughly 75% to 80% of all suicide deaths. These sobering facts reflect not just individual pain but a collective failure to provide the support and understanding men need.
But this narrative is not fixed. It is within our power to change it, to inspire men and boys to redefine what it means to be strong. True strength includes compassion, empathy, and the courage to be vulnerable. These qualities lead to healthier mental and emotional well-being, deeper relationships, and stronger communities.
Inspiration begins with the examples we set. Boys learn not only from what they are told but from what they see. When they see the men around them such as fathers, teachers, coaches, and leaders speaking openly about challenges they face, asking for help, and caring for themselves and others, it sends a powerful message. It says that being male includes being human.
Workplaces, schools, and community organizations also have critical roles in fostering this inspiring culture of openness and connection. Programs like PwC’s “Be Well, Work Well” demonstrate how prioritizing holistic well-being benefits everyone. These initiatives integrate mental health support into daily life, promote peer conversations, and encourage individuals to bring their full selves to work and community spaces. Such programs help dismantle stigma and offer tangible support.
Beyond formal programs, the most powerful inspiration often comes from everyday acts of kindness and presence. A genuine check-in with a colleague who seems distant, a listening ear offered without judgment, a simple, sincere “How are you really doing?”- these moments create the fabric of support that sustains men emotionally. For boys growing up, seeing these moments modelled teaches that vulnerability is not weakness rather it is connection.
The journey toward this cultural shift will not happen overnight. It requires persistent effort from individuals, families, organizations, and societies. It means committing to honest conversations about mental health and emotional wellbeing, promoting safe spaces for expression, and actively supporting those who struggle. It means recognizing that the burdens of outdated masculinity do not just weigh on individual men, but ripple outward to affect families, workplaces, and communities.
As we observe International Men’s Day this year, let us think about the legacy we want to leave. Inspiring men and boys mean building a new legacy one where strength is measured not by silence or solitude but by connection, empathy, and courage. It is a legacy that values men’s mental health and emotional expression as vital parts of their success and happiness.
Together, we can create a brotherhood across generations that uplifts, listens, and carries one another forward. Inspired men inspire boys, and inspired boys grow into men who reshape the world with compassion and resilience.
This International Men’s Day, let us commit to being part of that change not just through words, but through daily actions. True strength lies not in enduring alone, but in uplifting together.
