The good men we forget to celebrate — today we celebrate them and their stories that matter

Today we celebrate International Men’s Day. Unfortunately, its arrival is often met with a curious silence.

Unlike it's counterpart - Women's Day, marked globally with campaigns, speeches and celebratory events, the day dedicated to men tends to slip by with minimal attention. Many people still ask: Is there a Men’s Day? Why have I never heard of it?

The disparity raises a deeper question about society’s attitudes: Are men simply less celebrated or have we normalised the belief that men do not need acknowledgment at all?

For some, the idea of celebrating men feels unnecessary. They argue that men already hold structural advantages, so dedicating a specific day seems redundant.

Others believe men themselves do not take such celebrations seriously, assuming that appreciation is not something they seek or value.

But beneath these assumptions lies a more complex social truth: Many individuals hold mixed feelings toward men due to painful past experiences.

Some were raised by fathers who were absent or emotionally distant. Others suffered at the hands of abusive male partners or grew up in environments where male anger overshadowed affection. These experiences understandably complicate the notion of praising men.

Yet to focus solely on the negative overlooks an entire spectrum of stories, stories of good men who rarely receive recognition. Behind the everyday noise of life, there are stepfathers who stepped up with tenderness and responsibility, caring for children who were not biologically theirs.

There are single fathers juggling not only the financial burdens of parenthood but also the emotional demands that come with it. There are brothers who become protectors, advisers and emotional anchors.

There are male friends who show up at the darkest moments, offering stability and kindness without expecting anything in return.

There are the men who work long, unglamorous hours to keep households afloat and the men who lead with empathy in their communities and workplaces.

And there are the countless men in society, teachers, social workers, firefighters, community volunteers, who hold families and neighbourhoods together quietly and consistently.

These are the men whose stories rarely make headlines and they deserve to be seen.

This brings us to an important element often overlooked in discussions about International Men’s Day: We celebrate men’s success because it shapes the fabric of families, communities and industries. Men’s achievements, whether academic, professional, athletic or personal, influence the society we live in.

When men succeed in healthy and purposeful ways, everyone benefits. Their success creates stability, inspires younger generations, breaks cycles of toxic behaviour and redefines what modern masculinity can look like.

Celebrating men’s success is not about glorifying masculinity or overshadowing women’s achievements. It is about recognising that progress is a collective effort.

When a man breaks generational trauma, that is success. When a father raises compassionate children, that is success. When a man chooses kindness over anger, responsibility over recklessness and integrity over ego, those are successes worth honouring.

These moments matter just as much as professional triumphs and public accomplishments.

International Men’s Day also encourages us to reflect on the pressures men face. Many continue to struggle silently with mental health challenges, shaped by cultural expectations telling them to be strong at all times.

Men are often taught to suppress emotion, to avoid vulnerability and to carry burdens without complaint. These patterns have contributed to rising rates of depression, burnout and suicide among men worldwide.

Yet the world rarely pauses to ask: Why do so many men suffer in silence? Why is vulnerability still seen as weakness? And what happens when society expects resilience but offers little support?

Recognising and celebrating men, including their struggles, their successes and their growth, is one step toward creating a healthier reality for everyone.

As we mark this day, perhaps the most meaningful question is not why celebrate men? But rather: Why has it taken us so long to consistently recognise the good men, the growing men and the successful men who quietly hold so much together?

And maybe, more importantly: Why haven’t we celebrated them enough?

So today, let’s take a moment - forget the bad and focus on the good, appreciate the kind and love those who show up even when they’re tired.

Celebrate the men who are trying, learning, unlearning, healing. Celebrate the quiet strength, the soft courage and the value they bring simply by being here.