Do we need a 'men's day'?

Editor's Note: International Women's Day, which falls on March 8 every year, has been celebrated for decades. There are also growing calls for a "men's day" to help draw more attention to gender equality. Do we need an international Men's Day? Our forum readers share their opinions here and you are also welcome to add yours.

Palmer (India)

We have celebrated Men's Day on Nov 19 for several years. The objective is to highlight discrimination against men and boys, while at the same time hailing their achievements and contributions to society. Unwritten rules make it difficult for men to talk about feelings of depression or to admit to being victims of violence by other men, while women are living by a whole set of rules that were forced upon them. What tends to be forgotten is the fact that society has always demanded strength from men and emotional expression from women. Hence, while one gender is allowed to cry and fight, the other is pressurized into denial and silence.

A poster in Beijing calls for the setting up of a Men's Day. [Photo/IC]