Men deserve a day, too

Article here. Excerpt:

'Oh! Such a day exists?’ That was the response of most people, when told about ‘International Men’s Day’ that has been celebrated, though in a far more low key fashion than Women’s Day, for over a decade.

There is a lot of talk about gender equality and justice but when it comes to assigning a day to thank the contributions made by the gentlemen, no one seems to care. TV channels, magazines and youth groups come out in full vigour to celebrate Women’s Day that falls on March 8, however, the day for men is unknown to even men.

“It is that phase of the world where people should realise that men are a tortured lot too, especially in the name of the so called ‘women’s rights’,” says social activist Baby Prasad, who has been championing men’s rights for the past six years. According to him, those who are keen to celebrate women’s day should also make it a point to acknowledge the contributions of the men, who pretend to be strong but are in actuality having a tough time.

The theme of International Men’s Day 2012 is ‘Helping Men and Boys Live Longer, Happier and Healthier Lives.’ The debates mostly are about men getting sidelined in different ways. But what is the right approach?'