The RAF are joining the celebrations for International Men's Day 2021, to support and celebrate its male workforce playing such an important role for Defence.
Friday 19th November 2021 marks International Men's Day, with over 60 countries around the world and many organisations taking part to celebrate and raise awareness for men and boys' wellbeing.
This year, the three themes focus on:
- Making a positive difference to the wellbeing and lives of men and boys
- Raising awareness and/or funds for charities supporting male wellbeing
- Promoting a positive conversation about men, manhood and masculinity
The RAF priorities the wellbeing of its workforce and extended family; from contractors, civil servants, serving personnel, and friends or family. Guidance and contact information is available on the RAF website, and support is offered by SSAFA and other teams on every Station. The RAF also promotes a diverse and inclusive workforce, with equal opportunities, ability to develop, and express faith and beliefs.
"With the increasing focus on issues such mental health and wellbeing, male cancers, workplace safety, education/skills and fatherhood, International Men’s Day is a perfect time for organisation to demonstrate their wider commitment to their male staff. With over 200 events last year, we are confident of even more in 2021 and this guide is aimed at supporting those employers who want to get involved for the first time, with a range of ideas that will help them."
Mark Brooks OBE
National Ambassador, International Men’s Day UK
However, men and boys are affected by many challenges. Men can be victims of sexual and domestic violence, abuse and rape. Male health continues to be an issue, from cancers, shorter life expectancy, and workplace deaths, and COVID-19 mortality rates are nearly twice as high in men than women. There is also a high male suicide rate, with men making three in every four suicides in 2019, and the Pandemic has created an additional impact on physical and mental wellbeing.
A mentally strong and united workforce optimises the RAFs responsibility to deliver operationally and defend its people. So, we are raising awareness of the challenges faced by men and promoting positivity to celebrate their contribution to our amazing workforce. To mark the occasion, the RAF Gender Network hosted a webinar on improving gender relations and promoting gender equality.
#InternationalMensDay celebrates the positive value men bring to the world, their families and communities. The day promotes a positive conversation about men, manhood and masculinity. pic.twitter.com/qrobFpgI9d
— RAF Gender (@RAFGender) November 19, 2021
There will also be several events on International Men’s Day 2021, for organisations and the general public to get involved with. You can follow the events on Facebook: @InternationalMensDayUk. Or visit the International Men's Day UK website for more information.
"This International Men’s Day let us recognise and celebrate the incredible contribution that men and boys make to our society – and make sure that they are not alone to suffer in silence."
Boris Johnson MP
Prime Minister
There is also an Employer Guide offering advice for how employees can support their male staffs’ physical and mental wellbeing, health and other issues.
The RAF invites everyone, regardless of gender, to come together to celebrate the men in our workforce.
