International Men’s Day often flies under the radar, and that’s a real shame. I was surprised to hear that a lot of colleagues and family members were reluctant to acknowledge it. It’s not about men wanting special treatment—it’s about recognising the unique challenges they face and creating space to talk about them. And honestly, we all benefit when we do.

We need to acknowledge that men face struggles that don’t always get the attention they deserve. Poor paternity leave policies, for example, make it harder for dads to spend time with their kids and take on equal parenting roles. This isn’t just a family issue—it’s a societal one. When men aren’t supported in these areas, it affects their relationships, their mental health, and even how they show up at work.

Speaking of mental health, it’s an area where men are really struggling. They’re far more likely to suffer in silence, and tragically, suicide rates among men are significantly higher. On top of that, many men are less likely to open up to close friends that could help them get through tough times. It’s a lonely, isolating cycle that we all need to break.

Why These Conversations Matter

We all carry our challenges into the workplace, whether we realise it or not. For men, the pressure to always appear strong and capable can be overwhelming. If we’re not creating an environment where men feel they can share their struggles, we’re not just failing them—we’re failing as workplaces and communities.

International Men’s Day is an opportunity to show men that their experiences matter. It’s not about shifting the focus away from others, but about widening the conversation to include everyone. By supporting men, we’re fostering healthier environments for families, friendships, and workplaces alike.

Fighting for Equality Together

Gender equality isn’t about dividing people or creating competition—it’s about making sure everyone feels seen and supported. When we talk about equality, it’s important to remember that it goes both ways. Men and women aren’t facing the same challenges, but that’s exactly why we need to work together.

So, let’s use International Men’s Day to start (or continue) these conversations. Let’s make it easier for men to open up about their struggles, celebrate their successes, and build the kind of allyship that benefits everyone. Because at the end of the day, supporting each other is the best way to move forward—together.

By Louise Watson, Associate Director (Growth Marketing), Propeller Group & Co-Creator of Empower Cafe