In 2025, there were 147 observances across 72 countries. Our movement is growing and flourishing.

Men’s Equality Month is desperately needed.

GENUINE GENDER EQUALITY CANNOT COEXIST WITH ENORMOUS DOUBLE STANDARDS BETWEEN THE SEXES...

We face a deluge of ideological propaganda, selective outrage and institutional gaslighting from extreme feminist activists, amplified by extraordinarily well-funded organisations such as UN Women.

Meanwhile, men die over five years earlier than women, account for the overwhelming majority of workplace fatalities, and experience dramatically higher suicide rates. Millions of boys and young men are falling behind in education.

Yet males are routinely blamed, shamed and stigmatised collectively for the criminal acts of a tiny minority of men.

COLLECTIVE GUILT IS IMMORAL, UNACCEPTABLE AND SOCIALLY HARMFUL...

Imagine reversing the sexes.

Would we ever blame ALL females for the enormous educational disparities affecting millions of boys and young men? Would we collectively shame women and girls for boys' underachievement, male suicide or other systemic disadvantages?

Of course not. Nor should we.

Equality does not mean selective outrage. Compassion must be extended to all people. Human dignity must be universal.

As Chair of the International Council for Men and Boys, I am proud to champion a positive, constructive vision of gender equality that recognises disadvantage wherever it exists…

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The only sustainable path forward is to reject grotesque double standards, abandon collective blame, embrace mutual respect, and uphold the inherent dignity, worth and value of EVERY human being.

Equality that excludes half the population is not equality.

Let's make November a celebration of men and boys, and a powerful call for genuine equality for EVERYONE…

#MensEqualityMonth #GenderEquality #MenAndBoys #EqualityForEveryone #MalePositive

David Maywald

Chair of the International Council for Men and Boys

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Are we actually changing laws, policies and institutions? Or are we mostly talking to each other?

This is the challenging question emerging from three valuable sessions hosted by Mike Bell for the International Council for Men and Boys (ICMB), drawing on the experiences of nine campaigners who have successfully engaged governments and official bodies.

Mike’s resulting report, Strategies for More Effective Campaigning, contains lessons that every advocate for men and boys should consider.

The central insight? We need to move from CAMPAIGNING to ENGAGING.

Awareness matters. Conferences, articles, podcasts and social media have their place. But genuine progress requires influencing the people and processes capable of delivering change.

Here are ten lessons worth applying:

1. Focus on outcomes, not activity. Measure success through changes in legislation, government policy, institutional practices and services (not likes, followers, conferences or media appearances).

2. Make one clear, achievable request. A specific legislative amendment, correction to official guidance or proposal for a men’s health strategy is more actionable than a sweeping demand to fix everything.

3. Identify the actual decision-maker. Understand which minister, parliamentarian, committee, regulator or public servant has the authority to deliver your proposed change.

4. Present solutions, not just problems. Prepare a concise, evidence-based proposal explaining what should change, why, how it would work, what it would cost and who would benefit.

5. Be professional, respectful and constructive. Anger, exaggeration, personal attacks and culture-war rhetoric can alienate precisely the people we need to influence. Strong evidence and calm persuasion are far more effective.

6. Build relationships across political divides. Men’s and boys’ wellbeing should transcend party politics. Find allies wherever they exist.

7. Make it easy for politicians to help. Offer draft amendments, briefing papers, statistics, speech notes and practical assistance. Don’t expect busy representatives to design your solution themselves.

8. Start small and build momentum. Some of the most impressive breakthroughs came from individuals or small teams pursuing tightly focused reforms; not from enormous organisations or expensive campaigns.

9. Collaborate rather than compete. Share knowledge, support other advocates, avoid personality conflicts and give credit generously. Our mission matters more than individual recognition…

10. Persist until something actually changes. A friendly meeting, encouraging email or sympathetic politician is progress; but it’s not victory. We need to follow-up, maintain relationships and keep working.

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The experiences of Mark Brooks, Robert Garza, Emma Johnson, Ed Bartlett, Warren Farrell, Christina Hoff Sommers, Ronald Henry, Michael Gurian, John Barry, Glen Poole, Richard Reeves and other successful advocates demonstrate that meaningful change is possible.

Our movement doesn’t lack passion, evidence or worthwhile causes. We need to become more disciplined, strategic, collaborative and effective.

Let’s spend a lot less time preaching to the converted, and a lot more time converting good ideas into real-world improvements…

The ultimate measure of our advocacy isn’t how loudly we speak. It’s how much better life becomes for men, boys and their families.

#MenAndBoys #MensAdvocacy #PolicyReform #MensHealth #GenderEquality #EffectiveAdvocacy

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From bipartisan breakthroughs in the United States to new research networks in Europe, the global movement is gathering momentum, building lasting institutions and broadening its support.

The pace of progress continues to accelerate.

If the first quarter of 2026 demonstrated that support for men and boys was entering the political mainstream, and the second quarter showed that lasting institutions were beginning to take shape, the third quarter has revealed something even more encouraging: the movement is expanding in both its reach and its ambition.

What was once a relatively fragmented collection of advocates and organisations is becoming an increasingly coordinated international movement, supported by legislators, researchers, educators, philanthropists, businesses and community leaders.

The United States has demonstrated particularly strong leadership, with bipartisan legislation, new state-level institutions and major national gatherings. Virginia has been the standout state, building on its historic achievements earlier this year and demonstrating how political leadership and community advocacy can work together.

Meanwhile, the United Kingdom is strengthening its research and policy infrastructure, continental Europe is establishing new organisations and international research networks, and advocates worldwide are becoming increasingly connected.

The most significant change is not simply the number of initiatives being announced. It is the growing emphasis on practical solutions, institutional accountability and evidence-based policies.

And the breadth of support is particularly encouraging. Democrats and Republicans, progressives and conservatives, academics and practitioners are increasingly finding common ground on issues that affect men, boys and their families.

This is not about competing with women and girls for attention or resources. It is about recognising that genuine gender equality requires us to acknowledge and address the disadvantages experienced by both sexes.

Healthier men, better-supported boys, stronger families and more constructive relationships between males and females are objectives from which everyone can benefit.

What follows is a celebration of the most important developments from July to September 2026, building on the progress documented throughout 2025 and the first half of this year.

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United States: Bipartisan Leadership and Lasting Institutional Change

The United States continues to demonstrate how support for men and boys can transcend political divisions and bring together people with different perspectives.

During the third quarter, Democrats and Republicans introduced legislation addressing men’s health, education and community participation. State legislatures advanced their own initiatives, while philanthropic organisations and research institutions helped develop the evidence and infrastructure needed to support effective policies.

The breadth of this activity is particularly noteworthy.

Men’s issues are increasingly being considered not as isolated concerns, but as part of wider discussions about education, economic opportunity, public health, family wellbeing and social cohesion.

Virginia: From Historic Legislation to a National Blueprint

Virginia has been at the centre of some of the most significant developments of 2026.

The state began the year by establishing the first Boys and Men Advisory Commission of its kind in the United States, with overwhelming bipartisan support.

During the third quarter, that legislative achievement began translating into practical action.

Two people deserve particular acknowledgement for their contributions throughout the year: Emma Johnson and Josh Thomas.

Emma, founder and president of the Virginia Coalition for Boys and Men, has helped bring together a statewide network of advocates, researchers, educators, fatherhood organisations and community leaders.

Josh Thomas, a Democratic member of the Virginia House of Delegates, was the chief patron of the legislation establishing the Commission and has subsequently helped lead its work as chair.

Their complementary contributions illustrate what becomes possible when civil society and elected representatives work together towards shared objectives.

Emma has helped build the coalition and connect people doing practical work, while Josh has helped establish a permanent institutional mechanism within government.

Together, they have helped make Virginia a prominent example of constructive, coordinated advocacy for men and boys.

The Virginia Blueprint Summit: A Landmark Gathering

The most significant event of the quarter was The Virginia Blueprint: A Summit Advancing Men and Boys, held at the General Assembly Building in Richmond on 18 September.

Convened by the Virginia Boys and Men Advisory Commission and the Virginia Coalition for Boys and Men, the summit brought together legislators, researchers, educators, philanthropists, mentors and community leaders.

Its emphasis was practical: identifying successful programmes, sharing experience and developing strategies that can be replicated and expanded.

The programme included Richard V. Reeves, Virginia House Speaker Don Scott, Delegate Josh Thomas and King Randall, founder of The X for Boys.

Participants had opportunities to present successful initiatives, discuss legislative approaches and explore funding opportunities, including a $10,000 programme-pitch competition.

The summit demonstrated how Virginia’s institutional framework is helping to connect policymakers with organisations delivering services directly to boys and men.

Its wider significance lies in the potential for other states to learn from Virginia’s experience and adapt successful approaches to their own circumstances.

Virginia’s Advisory Commission Gets to Work

The Virginia Boys and Men Advisory Commission held its inaugural meeting on 20 July, following the passage of its establishing legislation earlier in 2026.

The legislation received substantial bipartisan support, passing 91–6 in the House of Delegates and unanimously in the Senate.

Governor Abigail Spanberger subsequently signed it into law.

The Commission is responsible for examining educational inequalities, economic opportunities, health disparities, family life and the effects of social media.

Further meetings during the quarter brought together researchers, educators and workforce-development specialists.

Its work has included examining boys’ literacy, educational disengagement, career pathways and opportunities to recruit more men into teaching.

Crucially, the Commission is a permanent statutory body rather than a temporary initiative dependent on a particular administration.

Virginia has therefore moved through several important stages in a remarkably short period: identifying a policy gap, passing legislation, establishing a commission and convening a major summit focused on practical solutions.

That combination of political leadership, institutional continuity and community participation provides a model for other jurisdictions to replicate and improve upon.

Bipartisan Federal Legislation to Establish an Office of Men’s Health

Another significant development came in July, when Democratic Senator Ruben Gallego of Arizona and Republican Senator Roger Marshall of Kansas introduced legislation to establish a federal Office of Men’s Health.

The Senate bill followed companion legislation introduced in February by Democratic Representative Troy Carter of Louisiana and Republican Representative Greg Murphy of North Carolina.

The proposed State of Men’s Health Act would require the Government Accountability Office to examine men’s health and identify disparities.

It would also establish an Office of Men’s Health within the Department of Health and Human Services.

The proposed office would provide a dedicated institutional focus for understanding and improving men’s health outcomes.

The significance is twofold.

First, men’s health would receive more systematic attention within federal government, creating opportunities to coordinate research, identify priorities and develop more effective interventions.

Second, the involvement of legislators from both major parties demonstrates that men’s health can be an area of cooperation, even within a highly polarised political environment.

The legislation remains under consideration, but its introduction in both chambers represents an important step towards a more comprehensive national approach.

More Male Teachers, Mentors and Community Leaders

Arizona Senator Mark Kelly introduced two further bills on 16 July: the Educators for America Act and the Building Community in America Act.

The first seeks to strengthen pathways into teaching, including paid teacher-training opportunities, with an emphasis on recruiting more men.

The second seeks to expand participation in national and community service, creating additional opportunities for men to contribute as mentors, volunteers and community leaders.

Democratic Congressman Adam Smith is leading companion legislation in the House, while Republican Senator John Curtis is a cosponsor of the Building Community in America Act.

Kelly’s office highlighted that men account for only 23% of American public-school teachers and 28% of AmeriCorps volunteers.

These proposals recognise the importance of providing boys and young men with opportunities to develop positive relationships with adults, including male role models.

They also recognise that many men want opportunities to contribute meaningfully to their communities.

The bills have attracted support from educational leaders, mentoring organisations, faith leaders and researchers, including Richard Reeves.

Washington Hosts the Symposium on Young American Men

The second Symposium on Young American Men was held in Washington, D.C., on 24–25 September.

Organised by The Lafayette Company, the bipartisan gathering brought together researchers, policymakers, educators, mental-health specialists and community leaders to examine the challenges facing young American men.

The programme addressed education, employment, loneliness, mental health, addiction, fatherhood, marriage and community participation.

Speakers included Ronald Henry, Lisa Britton and Warren Farrell, alongside a wide range of researchers and practitioners. Ed Bartlett and Larry DeMarco represented the International Council for Men and Boys.

The event also featured new polling of 800 registered male voters aged 18–30, providing additional insights into young men’s experiences and priorities.

Importantly, the symposium was livestreamed free of charge, extending its reach beyond Washington and enabling an international audience to participate.

The event illustrated the growing emphasis on connecting research with practical programmes and policy development.

California, Male Educators and New Research

California also contributed to the quarter’s momentum.

The California Assembly’s Select Committee on Developing Pathways to Purpose for Young Men, chaired by Assemblymember Avelino Valencia, held its first hearing on 12 August.

The committee provides another forum for examining young men’s experiences and identifying opportunities to improve their participation in education, employment and community life.

Meanwhile, the Male Educator Network & Policy Institute held its Let the MEN Speak event on 21 July.

The discussion featured Richard Reeves, Curtis Valentine, Pedro Noguera, Michael Orcutt and Ivan Monay.

It explored the shortage of male teachers, barriers to entering the profession and strategies for strengthening recruitment.

Preliminary findings from a NORC survey of male educators in Wisconsin also informed the discussion.

The American Institute for Boys and Men continued expanding the research agenda, including through Allen Downey’s research brief, Is It Inevitable That Men Die Younger Than Women? Looking at Evidence and Policy Solutions.

The brief examines international differences in male longevity and considers the extent to which mortality disparities can be reduced through effective policy.

Its underlying message is encouraging: while biological differences contribute to longevity, many of the factors associated with premature male mortality are preventable.

The State of American Men 2026

The release of State of American Men 2026 on 25 September provided another substantial contribution to the evidence base.

Produced by Equimundo, the Young Men Research Project and YouGov, the report examined the experiences and attitudes of American men aged 18–29.

Its findings included that 74% believed financial security was much harder to achieve than it had been for their fathers’ generation.

Nevertheless, 54% believed the American Dream remained personally attainable.

The report also examined attitudes towards public policy, democracy, artificial intelligence, online influencers and speculative financial activities.

The findings offer a more nuanced picture of young men than narratives focused exclusively on either disadvantage or disaffection.

Economic uncertainty is a substantial concern, but many young men continue to express aspirations for financial security, meaningful relationships and a better future.

New York: Changing How Society Engages With Men

The second annual Marketing to Men Summit took place in New York on 24 September.

Organised by Antenna Up under the theme Cooler to Care, the summit brought together marketing professionals, media executives, researchers, brands and content creators.

The event examined how businesses and media organisations can engage men in more authentic, constructive and multidimensional ways.

Its programme included representatives from major brands and organisations, including Procter & Gamble, Nielsen, Peloton and Pinterest.

According to the organisers, more than 150 people attended in person, with another 150 joining the livestream.

This development highlights an important additional dimension of the movement.

Improving men’s wellbeing is not exclusively the responsibility of governments and health services. Businesses, advertisers and media organisations also influence how masculinity is understood and represented.

Together, these American developments demonstrate the breadth of activity taking place across government, research, education, philanthropy, community services and the private sector.

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United Kingdom: Strengthening the Evidence and Policy Framework

The United Kingdom continued building on the institutional progress documented during the first half of 2026.

The third quarter brought further developments in boys’ education, men’s mental health, policy research and political engagement.

Particularly encouraging is the growing willingness to address male disadvantage within mainstream public policy, while recognising that supporting boys and girls should be complementary rather than competing objectives.

The Boys’ Education Commission Calls for Evidence

One of the quarter’s most important UK initiatives was the Boys’ Education Commission’s Call for Evidence, which ran from late June until 14 September.

Chaired by Peter Hyman and hosted by the Centre for Policy Research on Men and Boys (CPRMB), the independent commission invited contributions from schools, teachers, researchers, parents, students, charities and other stakeholders.

Its remit extends beyond examination results to consider boys’ broader development, educational engagement, confidence and preparation for adult life.

The Commission explicitly recognises that addressing boys’ educational challenges should not come at the expense of supporting girls.

This approach offers an opportunity to identify successful educational practices and translate research into practical recommendations.

Two Important Reports from CPRMB

The Centre for Policy Research on Men and Boys released its updated Missing Men 2026 report on 31 August.

The report uses 25 indicators to examine men’s and boys’ circumstances across employment, education, health and crime.

Its findings indicate that many outcomes remain worse than before the pandemic, particularly in unemployment and mental health. However, it also identifies gradual improvements in physical health and some educational outcomes.

The report calls for greater consideration of male-specific circumstances in public policy, while recognising that class, geography and other factors influence individual experiences.

CPRMB also published the interim report Evaluating and Scaling Male Community-Based Programmes, supported by the Randal Foundation.

This report examines how community-led, non-clinical initiatives can support men’s mental health and contribute to suicide prevention.

It explores how successful programmes can be evaluated and expanded without losing the characteristics that encourage men to participate.

Together, these publications strengthen the evidence available to policymakers, funders and organisations working directly with men.

The emphasis is shifting towards an increasingly practical question: how can successful interventions be identified, evaluated and expanded to reach more men?

Books, Political Recognition and Support for Male Survivors

August brought two welcome additions to the literature on men and boys.

Andrew Pain’s Honestly, MAN, released on 6 August, and Mike Bell’s Yes, He Can!, released on 3 August, contribute to the growing body of writing on men’s experiences, development and wellbeing.

The political conversation also continued to evolve.

In an article for The Spectator, The Left Has a Problem With Boys and Men, Labour MP Jake Richards discussed the challenges facing men and boys and the need for a more substantial government policy framework.

Richards connected the government’s work on men and boys with wider concerns about economic opportunity, social cohesion and relationships between men and women.

Richard Reeves subsequently shared this article, highlighting the growing recognition of men’s and boys’ issues within the British centre-left.

Another encouraging development came from the partnership between Movember UK and We Are Survivors. These two organisations collaborated on a public survey examining attitudes towards sexual harm experienced by male victims and survivors.

The initiative seeks to improve understanding of male victimisation and the experiences of survivors.

Recognising male victims is an important part of developing services that respond to everyone affected by sexual violence, while reducing the stigma that can discourage men from seeking help.

View the survey initiative on Instagram.

Taken together, these developments illustrate the growing breadth of Britain’s approach: stronger research, more constructive political engagement and greater recognition of the diverse needs of men and boys.

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Europe: New Institutions and International Research Networks

Continental Europe contributed several developments that demonstrate how the men’s movement is extending beyond the English-speaking world.

The emergence of new research networks, representative organisations and policy declarations is helping establish the foundations for more coordinated European cooperation.

A New Nordic Network for Boys and Men

Kristian Landsgård announced a two-year initiative to establish a Nordic research network focused on boys and men.

Working with the Norwegian Institute for Social Research in Oslo, he will bring together researchers from across the Nordic countries to examine issues affecting male wellbeing.

The project is supported by the Gambrell Foundation and Rise Together, a donor-advised fund established by Richard Reeves, founding president of the American Institute for Boys and Men.

Its objectives are to promote high-quality interdisciplinary research and contribute to evidence-based public debate and policymaking.

The initiative will explore a range of issues, including education, employment, fatherhood, family life and the influence of social and economic circumstances on male wellbeing.

It also demonstrates the growing international influence of American research and philanthropy.

Importantly, the Nordic countries have substantial experience developing social policies, collecting longitudinal data and evaluating public interventions.

Bringing researchers together across national and disciplinary boundaries creates opportunities to identify successful approaches, understand their limitations and inform policy development internationally.

Landsgård has introduced the project through his Substack, On Nordic Boys and Men.

Read his introduction.

A Constructive Declaration from European Fathers

The Platform for European Fathers (PEF) issued its updated Declaration on Fathers, Men and Boys in August.

The declaration sets out principles for a more balanced and inclusive approach to European equality policy.

It addresses shared parenting, father involvement, men’s health, male victims of violence, boys’ education and the importance of recognising male-specific disadvantages.

It also calls for evidence-based policymaking and greater recognition of fathers, men and boys within European social and equality frameworks.

One of its most constructive features is the emphasis on cooperation and children’s wellbeing.

The declaration recognises that the interests of mothers, fathers and children are closely connected, and that equality policies should acknowledge the needs and contributions of both sexes.

Its emphasis on working through existing European institutions provides a practical approach to achieving lasting change.

Read the PEF Declaration.

Germany Establishes a Men’s Council

Another encouraging development was the establishment of the German Men’s Council (Deutscher Männerrat e.V.).

Psychologist Max Schwarz and fellow contributors to the German Men’s Manifesto initiated the organisation as an independent platform addressing the interests and wellbeing of boys and men.

The Council is intended to complement the German Women’s Council, providing a forum for research, discussion and practical initiatives.

Its stated interests include masculinity, fatherhood, responsibility, relationships and the conditions that help men lead fulfilling lives.

The emergence of a dedicated organisation in Germany adds another national voice to the developing European network.

Together, these initiatives demonstrate how the men’s movement is progressing from individual advocacy towards more coordinated research, institutional representation and international cooperation.

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Global Perspectives: A Much More Connected and Inclusive Movement

Beyond the United States and Europe, the third quarter of 2026 has demonstrated the increasing international reach of organisations supporting men and boys.

An important feature of this growth is the development of resources that make it easier for researchers, policymakers and community organisations to identify one another, share knowledge and collaborate.

Men Atlas Maps More Than 500 Organisations

Max Schwarz officially introduced Men Atlas, a free global map of organisations supporting men’s and boys’ health and wellbeing.

At its launch, the map included 503 organisations worldwide, covering men’s mental health, crisis support, fatherhood, mentoring, community initiatives, health promotion, research and advocacy.

Schwarz developed the resource to make this fragmented field more visible and accessible.

He has also invited researchers, practitioners and organisations to contribute corrections and additions, allowing the map to develop as a living resource.

The significance extends beyond simply documenting the number of organisations involved.

For years, many people working to support men and boys have operated with limited knowledge of similar initiatives elsewhere.

Men Atlas provides a foundation for international cooperation, making it easier to identify existing programmes, share experience and develop partnerships.

Explore Men Atlas.

Celebrating the Authors, Elders, and Thought Leaders…

August saw the publication of David Maywald’s second book, 100 of the Best Books for Men: Honouring the Authors, Elders, and Thought Leaders.

This compendium celebrates the writers, speakers, and thinkers who have contributed to our deep understanding of masculinity, male psychology, fatherhood, relationships, personal development and the challenges facing men and boys.

Drawing on more than 300 book reviews written over seven years, it is intended to introduce readers to influential ideas and encourage further exploration.

It also acknowledges the intellectual foundations on which the contemporary men’s movement has been built.

This movement needs more than legislation and institutions. It also needs a strong intellectual foundation, an appreciation of the contributions of earlier generations and a willingness to learn from different perspectives.

The book is available to read free of charge through the National Library of Australia.

Read 100 of the Best Books for Men.

International Council for Men and Boys: Recognising Fathers

The International Council for Men and Boys (ICMB) continued its international advocacy during the quarter.

On 2 July, ICMB issued a press release titled UN Urged to Recognize Fathers as Essential to Children’s Well-being.

The statement called for greater recognition of fathers within United Nations family policy, drawing attention to the importance of father involvement and the challenges experienced by separated fathers.

It also called for greater consideration of shared parenting and renewed international research into fathers and family policy.

The statement was the third in a series addressing family issues, following earlier statements on marriage and birth rates.

Read the ICMB press release.

ICMB’s broader work across the twelve areas of male disadvantage provides an international framework for connecting research, advocacy and practical solutions.

Its work illustrates the importance of ensuring that the needs of men and boys are considered within international discussions about human rights, social development, health and family wellbeing.

Conclusion: From Momentum to Lasting Change

The third quarter of 2026 has demonstrated that the global movement supporting men and boys is becoming broader, more coordinated and increasingly focused on practical solutions.

The United States has provided examples of bipartisan cooperation, legislative action and institutional development. Virginia, in particular, has demonstrated how political leadership and community advocacy can work together to establish lasting mechanisms for change…

The United Kingdom has continued strengthening its evidence base, expanding its research infrastructure and developing a more constructive public conversation.

Continental Europe has contributed new research networks, representative organisations and policy declarations, while international initiatives are making the movement more visible and connected.

Perhaps most encouraging is the growing diversity of people and organisations contributing to this work.

Researchers, policymakers, educators, philanthropists, businesses, community organisations and individual advocates are increasingly recognising that the challenges facing men and boys deserve sustained attention.

Nevertheless, progress must ultimately be measured by outcomes rather than announcements.

Legislation must be implemented. Research must inform effective interventions. Successful community programmes need sustainable funding, and institutions must remain accountable for the improvements they seek to deliver.

Educational underachievement, suicide, premature mortality, social isolation and family disadvantage remain serious challenges.

But the developments of 2026 provide genuine reasons for hope…

The conversation has moved well beyond asking whether the challenges facing men and boys deserve attention. Increasingly, governments, researchers and community organisations are asking a more constructive question:

What practical actions can we take together to improve the lives of men and boys?

And the answer is becoming clearer.

We need better evidence, effective policies, stronger institutions, greater cooperation and a willingness to recognise successful initiatives wherever they emerge.

Above all, we need a shared vision that recognises the wellbeing of men and women as complementary rather than competing objectives…

We can celebrate masculinity while respecting femininity. We can address male disadvantage without diminishing the challenges facing women and girls. And we can strengthen fatherhood, education, health and relationships in ways that benefit entire families and communities.

The achievements of this quarter demonstrate what becomes possible when people from different backgrounds work together towards common objectives.

The foundations for further progress are being established. The challenge now is to translate that momentum into meaningful and lasting improvements.

A better future for men and boys is a better future for everyone.

David Maywald

Chair of the International Council for Men and Boys (ICMB)

Executive Leader for International Men’s Day (IMD)

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Education:
Australian education data show a persistent gap disadvantaging boys. The Year 12 completion rate is 85.3% for girls, compared with 77.6% for boys. Among Australians aged 25–34, 53.3% of women held a bachelor’s degree or above, compared with 40.0% of men.

The gap continues in higher education. Women accounted for 62% of commencing domestic higher education students, compared with 38% of men. In 2025, 17.1% of Australian women aged 15–74 were currently enrolled in study, compared with 15.7% of men.

Health:
Life expectancy at birth is 81.1 years for males, compared with 85.1 years for females. The adult mortality rate is also substantially higher among men, at 72.6 deaths per 1,000 adults, compared with 41.6 among women.

Homicide:
Between 1 July 2024 and 30 June 2025, Australia recorded 279 homicide victims, of whom 80% were men.

Suicide:
In 2023, men died by suicide at a rate of 18.0 per 100,000, compared with 5.8 per 100,000 for women—more than three times the female rate—and consequently accounted for approximately 75% of all suicide deaths.

Shared Parenting:
Court proceedings in Australia show a substantial gender disparity in sole custody outcomes. Mothers receive sole custody in 45% of court proceedings, compared with just 11% in which fathers receive sole custody.

Domestic Violence:
Among people currently in a relationship, 12.0% of men reported experiencing physical abuse in the previous 12 months, compared with 5.9% of women, showing that men also experienced physical abuse at more than twice the rate reported by women.

Homelessness:
Males accounted for 55.9% of people experiencing homelessness, compared with 44.1% of females.

Workplace:
In 2024, men accounted for 96% of workers killed in work-related activities, representing 180 fatalities. Their fatality rate was also significantly higher, at 2.4 fatalities per 100,000 workers, compared with just 0.1 per 100,000 among women.

Conclusion:
Australia must act now to confront the struggles of men and boys because only by addressing these disparities can the country achieve true gender equality and build a more inclusive future for all.

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The International Council for Men and Boys (ICMB) is a non-governmental organization working to celebrate the contributions of men to society and to end the 12 sex-based disparities affecting men and boys worldwide. ICMB has conducted analyses of male disadvantage in more than 50 countries, available at:
https://www.menandboys.net/country/

This link below to the Press Release contains all sources and references, for the material above:
https://www.menandboys.net/pr/australia-confronts-a-widening-divide-affecting-its-men-and-boys/

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After reviewing the 146 submissions to the federal inquiry, the Australian evidence, international research, and examples of programs already working, my top ten priorities are:

1. Make literacy the national priority for boys. Universal early screening; systematic phonics and structured literacy; explicit teaching of vocabulary, fluency, comprehension and writing; rapid small-group intervention; and engaging resources such as the online Literacy For Boys program, including for regional and remote students. Literacy failure compounds across schooling.

2. Start before school. Screen developmental, language, hearing and learning needs early; strengthen language-rich preschool; and dramatically expand father-inclusive parenting programs such as Dads Tuning in to Kids, which has Randomised Controlled Trial evidence of benefits for parenting and father-child relationships.

3. Transform teaching practice. Accelerate explicit instruction, formative assessment, evidence-informed classroom management and Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS): identify difficulties early, intervene, monitor progress and intensify support when required.

4. Bring a lot more men into education. Set an ambitious national goal to substantially increase male primary teachers (I suggest a minimum of 30% across all primary schools), while recruiting more men as coaches, mentors, counsellors, support staff and leaders. Boys need to encounter diverse examples of good men throughout childhood.

5. Build schools where boys belong. High expectations, strong teacher-student relationships, mentoring, consistent discipline, positive messages about boys and healthy masculinity, student voice and a culture that genuinely expects boys to succeed. Successful schools overseas are already closing gender gaps through whole-school culture change (there are six UK examples in Yes He Can! by Mike Bell).

6. Put movement, play and practical learning back into childhood. More PE, sport, outdoor learning and hands-on STEM; protect recess and unstructured play rather than withholding them as punishment. Australia should learn from campaigns such as Say YES to RECESS, in the United States.

7. Rebalance the curriculum. Retain rigorous academic standards while offering more reading material that engages boys, practical problem-solving, making/building, experiments, oracy (the ability to express oneself fluently, clearly, and effectively through spoken language), plus more music, drama and learning that are connected to real life.

8. Restore genuine parity of pathways. Rebuild technical education, VET, school-based apprenticeships and industry partnerships. University, trades and technical careers should be equally respected routes to adulthood, purpose and prosperity.

9. Scale what works for the boys who are at greatest risk. Expand and rigorously evaluate Australian initiatives including Clontarf Foundation, BackTrack and Pathways to Prevention, alongside effective mentoring and community programs. Pathways to Prevention combines school-readiness, social/communication and family supports.

10. Measure outcomes, and relentlessly learn. Publish sex-disaggregated data, identify schools who are actually closing the gaps, run more rigorous trials, scale success and stop funding approaches that don't work.

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This isn't boys versus girls. Better teaching, stronger families, great literacy, more play, clearer pathways and earlier support benefits everyone.

Helping boys flourish alongside girls isn't a niche education issue. It is nation-building.

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The hearing confirmed what the evidence has been showing for decades: boys lag girls in literacy, Year 12 completion and university participation, yet there remains no comparable national strategy to address these persistent gaps...

One of the strongest themes was the need to move beyond describing problems and towards identifying, rigorously evaluating and scaling what actually works. Kate Chaney MP repeatedly challenged the Australian Government Department of Education, ACARA, and Australian Education Research Organisation to identify programs with strong evidence of success. The inability to point towards proven, scalable interventions was striking...

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There was also welcome support for evidence-based teaching. AERO CEO Dr Jenny Donovan acknowledged Australia’s slow adoption of explicit instruction, cognitive science and evidence-based teacher preparation (approaches backed by substantial research). The hearing also highlighted the importance of early literacy, structured teaching, Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), and identifying struggling students before they disengage.

My reflection is that Australia should focus additional support on the boys facing multiple overlapping disadvantages. Not all boys, but those experiencing developmental vulnerability, disability, learning difficulties, poverty, fatherlessness, trauma, chronic absenteeism, regional disadvantage, or early literacy failure. We should also recruit more male teachers, strengthen vocational pathways, rigorously evaluate education programs, and ensure successful reforms are expanded nationally.

The Standing Committee on Education has a real opportunity to build on the unfinished work of the landmark 2002 report Boys: Getting It Right…

Improving boys’ educational attainment isn’t about taking opportunities away from girls. It’s about ensuring that every Australian child has the opportunity to reach their full potential...

David Maywald

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The pace of progress has continued.

If the first quarter of 2026 demonstrated that support for men and boys was moving into the political mainstream, the second quarter showed something equally important: the movement is beginning to build lasting institutions. Governments are creating dedicated portfolios, legislatures are establishing new inquiries, researchers are producing landmark publications, and educational leaders are coordinating efforts on a scale not previously seen.

This is no longer simply about raising awareness. Across the Anglosphere (and increasingly beyond) we are witnessing the gradual construction of the infrastructure needed to improve outcomes for men and boys. The conversation continues to shift away from grievance and ideology towards evidence, practical solutions, and bipartisan cooperation. That represents genuine progress. The trajectory established during 2025 and accelerated in the first quarter of this year has continued throughout April to June, with several developments that would have seemed improbable only a few years ago.

Australia: A Watershed Quarter

Without question, Australia experienced its strongest quarter yet for political recognition of men’s and boys’ issues.

Victoria Appoints the World’s First Minister for Men and Boys

The landmark announcement came on 15 April, when the Victorian Government appointed Paul Edbrooke MP as the world’s first Minister for Men and Boys.

This represents far more than a change in title. For the first time anywhere in the world, a government has explicitly recognised that men and boys deserve ministerial representation alongside the existing architecture devoted to women and girls.

The significance extends well beyond Victoria. Once one jurisdiction demonstrates that such a portfolio can exist, it becomes substantially easier for other governments to consider similar appointments. Every major reform begins somewhere, and this appointment establishes an international precedent.

The portfolio acknowledges an increasingly unavoidable reality: men and boys experience distinctive challenges in education, health, suicide prevention, family life and workforce participation that deserve coordinated government attention.

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ACT Creates a Shadow Minister for Men and Men’s Health

On the very same day, 15 April, another important breakthrough occurred in the Australian Capital Territory.

Opposition Leader Mark Parton MLA announced a dedicated Shadow Minister for Men and Men’s Health. The first time that an ACT parliamentary role has been dedicated to males.

Although a shadow portfolio does not carry executive responsibility, it ensures that issues affecting men and boys receive sustained parliamentary attention, policy development and public scrutiny. It also reflects growing bipartisan recognition that men’s wellbeing is becoming a legitimate area of public policy.

Remarkably, two Australian jurisdictions created dedicated parliamentary portfolios for men on the same day, a coincidence that illustrates how rapidly political attitudes are evolving.

Federal Council of the Liberal Party Endorses Support for Men and Boys

Momentum continued nationally.

On 29 May, the Federal Council of the Liberal Party of Australia passed a motion submitted by David Maywald calling for stronger recognition and practical support for men and boys.

Federal Council is the Party’s highest organisational body, bringing together representatives from every state and territory. Passage of the motion demonstrates that discussion of men’s issues is no longer confined to advocacy organisations or academic circles. It is entering mainstream political institutions and influencing future policy development.

Importantly, the motion framed support for men and boys in constructive terms: strengthening families, improving educational outcomes, reducing suicide, supporting fathers and promoting healthier relationships. This positive framing increasingly characterises successful advocacy around the world.

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Education Emerges as the Defining Issue

Perhaps the most striking development during the second quarter has been the extraordinary concentration of work focused on boys’ education.

Across the United Kingdom, United States and Australia, governments, universities, researchers and policy institutes all announced major initiatives within weeks of one another. Collectively, they suggest that educational underachievement among boys has become one of the defining public policy challenges of our time.

United Kingdom: Boys’ Education Commission

The United Kingdom established the Boys’ Education Commission, bringing together educators, researchers and policymakers to examine why boys continue to lag behind girls across much of the education system and what practical reforms may improve outcomes.

The establishment of a national commission represents a significant shift.

For many years, boys’ educational difficulties were often acknowledged but rarely investigated systematically. A dedicated commission moves the conversation beyond describing the problem towards identifying evidence-based solutions.

CPRMB Literature Review

The Centre for Policy Research on Men and Boys (CPRMB) also released the first instalment of its comprehensive International Literature Review on Boys’ Education, with two further volumes scheduled for publication.

This project synthesises decades of international research into one accessible evidence base for policymakers, schools and researchers.

Rather than relying on anecdotes or ideological assumptions, the review provides governments with an authoritative summary of what the evidence actually shows regarding literacy, classroom engagement, teacher diversity, school culture, vocational pathways and educational achievement.

This kind of work is essential. Good policy depends upon good evidence.

Special Volume on Educating Boys

Academic recognition also reached another milestone with the publication of the ANNALS special volume:

“Educating Boys: Bridging Gaps, Building Futures.”

The significance of this publication extends beyond the individual articles it contains.

The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science is one of the world’s most respected interdisciplinary journals. Dedicating an entire issue to boys’ education signals that these challenges are increasingly viewed as worthy of serious scholarly attention rather than peripheral social commentary.

As research continues to accumulate, it becomes progressively more difficult for educational systems to ignore the growing body of evidence documenting boys’ declining outcomes across numerous measures.

United States: Male Educators Network and Policy Institute

Meanwhile, the American Institute for Boys and Men (AIBM) announced the creation of the Male Educators Network and Policy Institute.

Male teachers (particularly in primary education) have become increasingly scarce across many Western countries. Numerous researchers have argued that attracting and retaining more male educators would benefit schools through greater diversity of role models, mentoring opportunities and teaching perspectives.

The Network seeks to connect educators, promote research, develop practical policy recommendations and strengthen professional collaboration across the United States.

Rather than viewing the shortage of male teachers as inevitable, it treats the issue as a challenge that can be addressed through thoughtful policy and institutional leadership.

Australia Launches a National Inquiry

Australia joined this international momentum with what may prove one of the most significant educational developments in decades.

The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Education commenced its national inquiry into the factors driving educational attainment, with the Terms of Reference specifically directing attention to boys and young men from early childhood through higher education.

This is particularly noteworthy because it represents the first substantial national parliamentary examination of boys’ educational outcomes for 24 years.

The inquiry is considering issues including:

• Early childhood development

• Literacy and numeracy

• School engagement

• Year 12 completion

• Vocational education

• University participation

• Educational disadvantage affecting boys and young men

Importantly, the inquiry has invited evidence from educators, researchers, families and community organisations, creating an opportunity for a genuinely evidence-based national conversation.

Taken together, these developments across three major English-speaking democracies demonstrate remarkable convergence. Different countries, working independently, are increasingly reaching the same conclusion: improving educational outcomes for boys isn’t simply beneficial for boys themselves. It strengthens families, communities, workplaces and national prosperity.

The breadth of activity also suggests that boys’ education is moving from being viewed as an isolated educational concern to becoming recognised as a major social, economic and public policy issue deserving sustained institutional attention.

Men’s Health Takes Centre Stage

If education became the defining policy issue of the quarter, men’s health continued its steady emergence as a mainstream public health priority.

Throughout June, governments, employers, charities and health organisations around the world used Men’s Health Month to draw attention to the persistent health disparities experienced by men and boys. These include shorter life expectancy, higher suicide rates, greater workplace fatalities, poorer health service utilisation and higher mortality across many major diseases.

Men’s Health Week

From 15–21 June, countries across the world observed Men’s Health Week, with thousands of community events, workplace activities, medical campaigns and public discussions.

The annual campaign continues to grow in scale and influence, encouraging men to engage with preventive healthcare, mental wellbeing, physical activity and healthier lifestyles. Increasingly, organisations are recognising that men’s health isn’t simply a personal issue but also a workplace, family and economic issue.

Recognition from the White House

One particularly encouraging development came from the United States, where the President issued an official Presidential Message recognising Men’s Health Week.

Although symbolic, presidential recognition matters. It helps legitimise men’s health as an important national concern and encourages public agencies, healthcare providers and employers to participate in awareness activities.

Public acknowledgement from the highest political office reflects how far the conversation has evolved over recent years.

Bringing Men’s Health into Australian Workplaces

Men’s Health Week also saw practical action within Australia.

Immediately prior to the week, David Maywald travelled to Melbourne to deliver a keynote presentation on men’s wellbeing to a medium-sized Australian company. The presentation examined male health outcomes, changing patterns of work, educational disadvantage, suicide prevention, healthy masculinity and practical steps organisations can take to better support male employees…

Importantly, the presentation emphasised that supporting men doesn’t come at the expense of supporting women. Healthy workplaces recognise the needs of both sexes while acknowledging that different groups may face different challenges.

This reflects a broader trend now emerging across Australia: employers increasingly recognise that men’s wellbeing contributes directly to productivity, psychological safety, staff retention and stronger organisational culture.

Momentum Builds in the United States

While much of the second quarter focused on education and health, important legislative developments also continued in Washington.

State of Men’s Health Act

Bipartisan support continued to grow for the State of Men’s Health Act (H.R. 7602).

If enacted, the legislation would require comprehensive reporting on men’s health across the United States while establishing an Office of Men’s Health within the federal government.

For many years, advocates have argued that men’s poorer health outcomes have not been matched by equivalent institutional attention. A dedicated office would improve coordination of research, data collection, public education and policy development.

The proposal reflects an increasingly accepted principle: effective public health policy should recognise the differing needs of both women and men.

White House Council on Fathers and Sons

Another encouraging bipartisan initiative is the White House Council on Fathers and Sons Act of 2026 (H.R. 7800).

The proposed legislation would establish a permanent council within the Executive Office of the President dedicated to strengthening fatherhood, supporting positive male role models and improving outcomes for boys and young men.

For decades, policymakers have recognised the importance of early childhood, maternal health and support for girls. This legislation acknowledges another well-established body of evidence: fathers matter profoundly to children’s educational, behavioural, emotional and economic outcomes.

If passed, the Council would represent one of the highest-level institutional commitments to fatherhood ever established within the United States federal government.

Fathers Continue to be Celebrated

While Australia celebrates Father’s Day in September, approximately half the world’s nations honour fathers during the second quarter, most commonly on the third Sunday in June.

Across North America, much of Europe, parts of Asia, Africa and Latin America, millions of families recognised fathers, grandfathers and father figures through community events, family gatherings and public celebrations.

Although Father’s Day is primarily a cultural observance rather than a policy initiative, its importance shouldn’t be underestimated. It provides an annual opportunity to recognise the enormous contribution fathers make to raising children, supporting families and strengthening communities.

Research consistently associates positive father involvement with improved educational achievement, better mental health, reduced offending, stronger emotional development and healthier relationships for children. Public recognition reinforces these important social contributions.

A Movement Becoming More Mature

Looking across the second quarter as a whole, several broader themes become apparent.

First, advocacy is becoming increasingly evidence-based. Rather than relying primarily on commentary or activism, organisations are producing systematic literature reviews, academic publications, parliamentary submissions and rigorous policy proposals.

Second, support for men and boys is becoming more institutionalised. Ministers, parliamentary portfolios, inquiries, commissions, research institutes and proposed government offices create structures that can endure beyond election cycles or individual advocates.

Third, collaboration continues to expand. Governments, universities, employers, charities, researchers and community organisations are increasingly working together rather than in isolation.

Finally, the tone of the movement continues to mature. Increasing emphasis is being placed on practical solutions: improving literacy, reducing suicide, strengthening fatherhood, expanding health services, supporting male educators and building healthier communities. These goals benefit not only men and boys but also women, children, families and society as a whole…

Looking Ahead

The second quarter of 2026 will likely be remembered as one of the most significant periods yet for the modern movement supporting men and boys.

Australia achieved multiple historic parliamentary milestones with dedicated ministerial portfolios. Three major Anglosphere countries launched substantial initiatives focused on boys’ education. Men’s Health Month and Men’s Health Week continued to expand their reach, while bipartisan bills in the United States point towards stronger institutional support for men’s health and fatherhood.

None of these developments alone will solve the complex challenges facing men and boys. Educational underachievement, suicide, declining workforce participation, poor health outcomes and family disadvantage remain serious concerns.

Yet lasting social change rarely occurs through a single dramatic event. More often, it is built gradually through research, public awareness, institutional reform and persistent advocacy.

That is precisely what this quarter demonstrates.

The foundations being laid today (in parliaments, universities, workplaces, research institutes and communities) have the potential to improve the lives of boys and men for decades to come.

The progress achieved from April to June 2026 offers genuine reason for optimism. The conversation has moved well beyond asking whether the challenges facing men and boys deserve attention. Increasingly, governments and institutions are asking a far more constructive question:

What practical actions can we take to improve outcomes?

That shift may ultimately prove to be the most important achievement of all…

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Four of the slides that I spoke to are included in this article. Other topics included the dozen areas of disparities faced by men and boys, falling education outcomes for boys, negative media depictions of males during the last three decades, the far higher workplace fatalities and preventable deaths incurred by men, the impacts of AI, workplace legal protections that apply to both sexes, three reflection questions that I posed to the audience, along with clear recommendations to make workplaces healthy and safe for males…

In response, there were many excellent questions, observations, and comments made by the staff who attended. In particular, some of the mothers expressed their personal concern and love for their sons (who are boys and young men). I enjoyed the informal conversations prior to, and following, this event. There was no tension or animosity.

Inclusion means listening to all voices, which clearly extends to male customers and male workers, as well as to other male stakeholders. We can only make progress on embracing diversity, and acting with tolerance, by incorporating the perspectives of men and boys…

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During the last seven months, there have been thirty positive developments for men and boys in Australia. Witnessing the business community embrace this healthy conversation is one of these advances. And there are many more constructive steps forward that we will take in the coming months...

David Maywald

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Two and a half months ago, I saw an opportunity to write a Policy Proposal that pushed for positive changes. Using a template from the local Policy Committee, and the results of the survey that I conducted during the summer, I got to work. There are three key objectives: reducing male suicide; tailoring healthcare to the needs and preferences of men; plus boosting the education performance of boys and young men.

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At each stage I was pleased to see a wide range of people step forward to support and help my efforts to succeed: men and women of goodwill who were also keen on achieving positive change... Having written the motion and sharing it with party members, I engaged in conversations about the importance of addressing these issues.

The first formal stage was proposing the motion to my local Branch in Canberra, flagging it to the Management Committee and adding it to the General Business. Secondly was the ACT Divisional Policy Convention, where all of the Branches assembled to consider motions from members. This included quite a few interactions, both in-person and digital, to lobby and influence the members of the party. At both stages there was little visible opposition, my motion was welcomed and supported...

Finally, motions from across the country were included in the agenda for Federal Council. This is the annual gathering of parliamentarians, party officials, and members that is similar to an Annual General Meeting of a business or charity. I proposed the motion and spoke to it amid the senior party leadership, David Lamerton seconded the motion, and another speaker also supported it (a female member from another Division). It passed with no detractors.

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I'm elated to have taken this idea from grassroots campaigning all the way to the senior figures in the Federal Opposition. It's a great example of participatory democracy. This is how men and women of goodwill are collaborating for better social outcomes...

Huge gratitude to Adam Morris, Mark Parton, Gerry Wheeler, Brodie Taylor, Olga Imbriano, David Lamerton, Harry Kelly, Patrick Fazzone, Nick Tyrrell, and many other people who helped to make this happen.

I've done it, and so can you! Get involved in any of the political parties or social movements. Clearly state your evidence and your objectives, build coalitions of support, and bring people along on this journey to make a better future for our precious next generation.

David Maywald

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Here are the speaking notes, which I used to propose this motion to Federal Council:

This motion is an example of grassroots member involvement. I joined the party two and a half years ago. This is my first motion, which I took to my Branch and then to the ACT Division. Today I will build on the excellent work by Julian Leeser and the House of Reps inquiry into boys education. I will follow Kellie Sloane in celebrating masculinity, and Matt Cross in boosting men’s health. And I will praise Mark Parton for his leadership on suicide prevention in the ACT, through deep listening, broad consultation, and prompting whole-of-government responses.

Many people have had close personal experiences of male suicide, relationship breakdown, and separation from children. Across Australia, seven men and boys are lost to suicide each day. Far too many children are growing up with fractured lives, and fewer young people are having their own children. Fatherlessness impacts almost one million children in Australia, with the worst impact of fatherlessness on already vulnerable families and disadvantaged communities: Indigenous, lower income, weaker education, economically stressed and already at breaking point.

One Nation and others are harvesting the grievance, that is felt by some males. They criticise the Coalition parties for not doing enough to support men and boys. Their messages resonate on social media and in echo chambers, and they do make some worthwhile points. Education systems have not been meeting the needs of boys and young men, there is too much leftist indoctrination, and excessive feminisation of institutions. Health funding isn’t fair to males, with high male mortality rates and inadequate services that don’t meet the needs and preferences of men. Male suicide is a national disgrace, and it’s worsened by laws that discriminate against both men and fathers through their implementation. False accusations and affirmative action have been weaponised… This has demoralised many males of all ages.

Strategically, what is the response for the Liberal Party to expand our voter base? We shouldn’t escalate the rhetoric, with exaggeration or heated debates. We need to engage deeply with the issues and appeal to sensible voters, which encompasses both social conservatives as well as the centre-left. Develop targeted policies that meaningfully address the key issues. And this is what my motion proposes…

As a nation, we already spend several hundred million dollars each year on so-called “suicide prevention”. But during the last twelve months, male suicide rose by 5% (and female suicide fell by 2%). The National Suicide Prevention Strategy has 117 actions, of which only 3 mention males or men’s services, while males make up 76.5% of all suicides. Amongst males, suicide is the largest cause of years of life lost because it tragically cuts short the lives of more than 2,500 men and boys each year… We don’t need to spend more taxpayers’ money. We need to curtail the services and funding that isn’t making an impact, and allocate towards programs that are meeting vulnerable men where they actually are. We need to accept that male psychology is fundamentally different to female psychology, with much more emphasis on doing rather than talking, side-by-side rather than face-to-face.

Health funding is skewed heavily towards females, to an excessive degree. National Health and Medical Research Council spent six times more on Women’s Health than Men’s Health last year. The four budgets prior to 2026 had sixty times the amount of new funding allocated to women’s health initiatives, in comparison to men’s health. Some rebalancing is needed. My motion argues to lift Men’s Health from 1% of the NHMRC budget to 2%. In hospitals, primary healthcare, and mental health, we must design new services and re-design existing services to provide what men actually need and what they will use. This means deep listening and co-design, just like Kellie and Mark are doing.

I’m delighted to see the House of Reps inquiry looking at the education of boys and young men. We must strive to lift male literacy, significantly boost student engagement, ensure course completion, and upskill young men – both for our economy and to give them purpose in their lives. No more excuses or pandering to extreme ideologies and academic theories. Our precious boys are being discriminated against. Girls and young women have benefited from several decades of female-positive education. Now we need to add aspects of male-positive education, so that all students have the opportunity to thrive. More male teachers, a renewal of technical high schools, much more physical activity and hands-on learning, trades pathways integrated into schools, content that connects with boys and young men, plus parents speaking up for our precious sons.

This is how men and women of goodwill work together for better social outcomes. And I encourage you all to join this ever-expanding movement for positive change.

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The advocates who achieve legislative wins tend to do things differently.

They:
• Focus on ONE achievable reform at a time
• Present solutions, not just outrage
• Draft actual amendments and policy proposals
• Build evidence-based cases
• Work respectfully with decision-makers
• Engage both sides of politics
• Use calm, professional language
• Build coalitions where possible
• Persist for years if necessary

The most effective campaigns are usually highly specific.

Not “fix the entire system”.
Not “change society overnight”.

Instead:
• a targeted amendment
• a policy correction
• a pilot program
• a funding adjustment
• a ministerial directive
• a new advisory body
• a change in official language or guidance

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Small wins compound into larger reforms...

One of the biggest mindset shifts is moving from “campaigning mode” to “engagement mode”. Policymakers respond far better to advocates who are constructive, organised, solutions-focused, and politically realistic.

The goal isn't to “defeat” people. The goal is to improve outcomes for boys, men, fathers, families, schools, communities, and society as a whole.

That means:
• understanding legislative processes
• identifying leverage points
• timing proposals strategically
• anticipating objections
• producing credible policy material
• creating momentum through sequential wins

And importantly: avoiding the temptation to fight every battle at once.

Targeted advocacy should emphasise one SMART objective at a time.

I have developed a detailed 16-page guide on lobbying, legislative engagement, and achieving positive change for men and boys. I’m very happy to share this framework and practical tool with serious and passionate advocates...

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Check out the website, which has great suggestions for activities to do with the boys in your life, posters to celebrate Boys Day, and a bunch of other resources:

https://internationalboysday.org.au/

Boys Day (as it's colloquially known) or International Day of the Boy Child (as it's formally known) was founded by Jerome Teelucksingh from Trinidad and Tobago, with the inaugural observance held on 16 May 2018.

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Similar to International Men's Day (which was first observed on 19 November 1999), International Boys Day is not officially recognised by the United Nations, but it is increasingly being marked internationally by an ever-expanding number of groups and non-profits and individuals and businesses and governments.

The United Nations calendar has 15 days of observance for girls and women, according to The Nuzzo Letter. But none for boys and men:

The Nuzzo Letter

UN Days of Observance for Women and Men

This brief updates my previous analysis from August 2025 of the United Nations’ (UN) days of observance for women and men. The current analysis was conducted on March 10, 2026…

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8 months ago · 22 likes · 24 comments

Make the 16th of May a fun and worthy celebration of our precious boys.

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International Council for Men and Boys has identified twelve areas of disparity, where men and boys are lagging around the world. Number one on this list is education. Boys consistently lag in literacy, they are less likely to finish high school, are punished more severely, and receive lower grades for exactly the same work. Young men are disengaged from education, and are far less likely to complete higher education.

The World Bank Group reports that: “Learning poverty rates—the proportion of children unable to read and understand a simple text at 10 years of age—are higher for boys than for girls in all regions and almost all countries of the world."

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Celebrating Masculinity and ICMB have provided sponsorship funding for the expansion of services by Literacy For Boys. This collaboration also includes in-kind support, networking and connections, plus the amplification of the positive messages from LFB...

Literacy For Boys has a unique online program, which is tried and tested. This is ideal for reaching boys in rural, regional, and remote areas of Australia. It's very pleasing to see LFB engage with the newly appointed Shadow Special Envoy for Men and Boys, Llew O'Brien MP (another passionate supporter for the education of boys and young men).

Later this month, Tanya Grambower (Founder and Managing Director of Literacy For Boys) will meet with David Maywald (Board Director of International Council for Men and Boys as well as Founder of Celebrating Masculinity). This meeting in Brisbane will work on solidifying the collaboration between organisations.

It's very positive that Tanya and LFB were asked to make a submission to the federal inquiry into the factors driving educational attainment. This demonstrates the credibility and expertise that they bring to the education of boys and young men.

The collaboration between ICMB + Celebrating Masculinity + LFB is an example of men and women of goodwill who are working together for the benefit of our precious next generation. As we lift the literacy of boys, it strengthens families and raises communities up.

Literacy For Boys: https://www.literacyforboys.com.au/

International Council for Men and Boys: https://www.menandboys.net/

Celebrating Masculinity:

Celebrating Masculinity

Masculine traits that are pro-social

Make a submission to the House of Representatives inquiry on the education of boys and young men now: https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/House/Education/EducationalAttainment

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During the last six months, there has been an amazing expansion of support for men and boys in Australia. And it started with International Men’s Day on 19 November 2025:
- Last year was the biggest and most successful celebration of International Men’s Day ever, since it was founded 27 years ago in 1999.
- More than one hundred events were promoted at www.internationalmensday.info and Australian Men’s Health Forum (AMHF) noted dozens of unpublished events as well.
- The Governor-General gave her support to IMD, with an event at Government House.
- Representatives of all political parties paid their respects to males lost to suicide, at the Zerosuicide display of 2,500 shoes in front of Parliament House. Dan Repacholi MP (Special Envoy for Men’s Health) attended, acutely aware of the 5% increase in men and boys who died last year from suicide. Paul Withall has held this commemoration for four years in a row, with six displays in total.
- A world-first 9-hour-long global livestream for IMD featured Warwick Marsh and his son Nat Marsh (from Dads4Kids), Andrew Gray, Warren Farrell, Mark Brooks, Lisa Britton, Larry DeMarco, Ed Bartlett, Tom Golden, Torben Haugaard, David Yaka, Halima Layeni, Pete Nicholls, Ola Akinwe, plus many other prominent advocates for men and boys. David Maywald’s book The Relentless War on Masculinity was launched on IMD, during this webcast.
- An IMD Forum was held at the Hyatt hotel in Canberra, hosted by Phil Gouldson and Bec Forrest.
- Sarah Game MLC hosted the annual IMD dinner in Adelaide, with Premier Peter Malinauskas and other Ministers of the South Australian government. The SA Legislative Council passed an IMD motion moved by Sarah Game, seconded by both a Liberal and Labor Member of the Legislative Council.
- In the West Australian upper house, Maryka Groenewald MLC spoke passionately about the importance of celebrating men on IMD. She called for recognition of men’s contribution and respect for males, with a speech that went viral on social media.
- The Parliamentary Friends of Healthy Masculinities group was launched at Parliament House in Canberra, with co-chairs from Labor, Liberals, and an independent.

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During December 2025, AMHF acknowledged 100 organisations that are supporting men and boys across the country. Tim Richardson’s role in the Victorian government was expanded from Parliamentary Secretary for Men's Behaviour Change to also include Men’s Health and Wellbeing. Also during the summer, David Maywald conducted a national survey of issues relating to men and boys. This garnered 244 responses and 575 comments, highlighting the importance of reducing male suicide, fairer health funding and tailored healthcare services for men, as well as uplifting education outcomes for boys and young men.

NSW parliamentarian Matt Cross MP was installed as Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Men's Health in January 2026. Leader of the NSW Liberals Kellie Sloane MP spoke with Ben Fordham (hugely influential host on talkback radio, at 2GB's Breakfast Show). She emphasised that we should be celebrating masculinity, and also voiced concerns for her three sons. Also in January, David Maywald lodged a formal complaint with Australia’s Ambassador to the United Nations and two Cabinet Ministers. This cited the bias of UN Women and the lack of concern for male disadvantage.

In February 2026, Glen Poole and AMHF released a 28-page report on the success of IMD 2025. David Maywald was appointed as a Board Member of the International Council for Men and Boys (ICMB), and he sent a copy of The Relentless War on Masculinity to every Member and Senator in federal parliament (226 in total). During Senate Estimates, Tyron Whitten from One Nation asked Foreign Minister Penny Wong why there is no Office for Men, citing enormous disparities in education/workplace deaths/health/child custody/suicide, and this video clip went viral.

Sarah Game MLC announced the launch of South Australia's first Parliamentary Friends of Men's Wellbeing forum, during March. Celebrating Masculinity released evidence that IMD had been celebrated in more than 110 countries during 2025, the highest number of countries ever reported. This demonstrated the global importance of IMD, with it's continued expansion.

April was enormous, on several fronts. There was bipartisan support for the inquiry into the education of boys and young men, by the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Education, endorsed by both Minister Jason Clare MP and Shadow Minister Julian Leeser MP. The Victorian Labor government appointed a world-first Minister for Men and Boys (Paul Edbrooke MP) alongside a new Minister for Women and Girls. Opposition Leader Mark Parton MLA was appointment as the first Shadow Minister for Men and Men's Health in the Australian Capital Territory, alongside a new Shadow Minister for Women and Women’s Health. Mark also launched the Canberra Friends of Men's Health and Wellbeing. The inaugural Men, Boys and Fathers Forum was held in Albury by the Nationals, opening the discussion with regional voters and listening to their issues, this featured several parliamentarians (both federal and state). A series of similar forums will be held across the country, during coming months. Llew O'Brien MP was appointed as Shadow Special Envoy for Men and Boys, by the Leader of the National Party (Senator Matt Canavan) and the Leader of the Liberal Party (Angus Taylor MP). This announcement was made during a press conference on the first day of pre-polling, in the final days before an important byelection. Matt Canavan, Llew O’Brien, and David Maywald all spoke during this press conference.

Taken together, this latest half-year has delivered the most advancement for the issues for boys, young men, and older men that we've seen in the last generation (perhaps ever). Clearly all of the political parties are now intently listening to male voters (and they are starting to pay attention to future male voters). Now is not the time for mere complaining or awareness raising. The advocates for men and boys must bring forward concrete proposals for changing policy, legislation, education, health, and culture. There are enormous opportunities to engage constructively with this movement, and the awakening that has occurred during the last six months, in order to achieve better relationships, balanced outcomes, and a healthier society.

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The Nationals turned out leading figures to kick-off this awareness-raising and listening tour: federal leader Senator Matthew Canavan (from Queensland), Michael McCormack MP (Federal Member for Riverina), and Kevin Anderson MP (NSW Member for Tamworth and Deputy Leader of the Nationals).

Today Llew O'Brien MP will be named as the inaugural Special Envoy for Men and Boys, at an announcement and press conference in Albury. The federal Opposition Leader Angus Taylor MP and the Nationals Leader Senator Matthew Canavan will make this appointment.

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Llew is from the LNP - Liberal National Party in the Queensland seat of Wide Bay. Prior to entering parliament, Llew was a police officer with first-hand experience of social issues that interface with law enforcement (including domestic violence). He is happily married to his wife Sharon. Llew has two sons, a daughter, and three granddaughters.

During the Forum, Llew spoke about the disparities faced by Aussie males across health, education, suicide, and other areas. The Nationals are clearly aware of the need for changes in policy, as well as culture change (government cannot solve all of these problems). There is a strong focus from both Llew and Matt on strengthening families, supporting boys and men, and socially beneficial outcomes... Matt and his wife have four sons and a daughter.

There was very free-ranging discussion, with questions and comments from the floor (mental health, family law, child custody, occupations at-risk of suicide, lack of services for regional/remote areas). Boys To The Bush got a shout out, as did the many groups of men who meet up for regular walks, which add to many aspects of their health: physical, emotional, spiritual, social.

The Special Envoy for Men and Boys will be listening and speaking with many people in this role. And Llew is going to travel even more distance on his motorbike than usual. Huge kudos to the leadership being shown here...

https://www.skynews.com.au/australia-news/politics/coalition-to-unveil-special-envoy-for-men-and-boys-in-bid-to-tackle-mental-health-and-wellbeing-challenges/news-story/4dc931bee17bea1fc15d96def0eef5bb

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This matters deeply, because right now we're seeing:
- Boys falling behind in literacy
- Lower school engagement and completion
- Reduced participation in tertiary education
- Rising disengagement, with long-term social consequences

Too often these realities are ignored, minimised, or left unaddressed.

But this inquiry is different. It's open and evidence-based. They are asking for your input.

Submissions are being accepted until 12 June 2026, from individuals, educators, parents, organisations, and advocates.

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To everyone who cares about boys and young men, this is our moment...

Whether you are:
- A parent of a son
- A teacher seeing the gaps first-hand
- A researcher with data
- A practitioner working with young men
- Or a quiet observer who knows that something isn’t right

Your voice matters... Too many people who care deeply have stayed silent. Too many organisations hesitate. Too many insights never make it into policy.

Let’s change that.

What should submissions focus on?
=> Constructive, evidence-based, male-positive solutions
=> Lifting literacy and engagement for boys
=> Increasing male representation in teaching (especially primary schools)
=> Tailored learning approaches that work for boys
=> Better pathways into trades, VET, TAFE, and meaningful careers
=> Early intervention and support for disengaged boys
=> Strengthening fatherhood, mentorship, and role models

If you care about boys, young men, and the health of our communities, then make a submission. Encourage others to do the same. Share this widely...

You can find the inquiry and submission portal here:
https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/House/Education/EducationalAttainment

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Submissions don’t need to be perfect. They need to be honest, thoughtful, and constructive.

History shows that policy follows participation... If we want better outcomes for boys and young men, then we must show up for them.

Let’s not look back and wish we had spoken. Let’s act together, right now...

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The Victorian government appointed Tim Richardson as Parliamentary Secretary for Men’s Behaviour Change in May 2024. This announcement was derided and criticised by many, as being patronising to males and politically driven. In December 2025, this role was expanded to cover Men’s Health and Wellbeing… And just under two years since the first acknowledgement of males by the leftist Labor government of Victoria, their Ministry contains an actual Minister for Men and Boys.

It’s understandable that Paul Edbrooke’s appointment as Minister for Men and Boys has been met with a huge amount of scepticism and cynicism. The Victorian government has been one of the most overt supporters of female empowerment across the country. They have been the biggest funder of the Man Box research undertaken by Jesuit Social Services during the last half a dozen years. The acknowledgements page of the Adolescent Man Box report in November 2025 says “We acknowledge women, allies and pro-feminist organisations who have worked for decades to improve gender equality”. Many of the passionate advocates for men and boys would not consider the Victorian government to be friendly.

Over the past five years, the Victorian Government has delivered limited male-specific policy. Most initiatives (in mental health, education, and family violence) are gender-neutral or women-focused. Some indirect benefits include mental health funding, suicide prevention, and apprenticeships. However, there has been no coordinated strategy for men and boys, and minimal targeted programs addressing male suicide, educational decline, or father engagement…

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During the last year, the Democratic Governor of California (Gavin Newsom) has been a leader on men and boys, with early-stage actions such as: issuing an Executive Order that targets reductions in male suicide, improved mental health, lifting education outcomes, and better workforce pathways; directing agencies to address disconnection, loneliness, and service gaps for boys and men; convening leaders this year to develop a statewide strategy for boys and young men. Throughout these positive changes, he has been derided by many observers who care deeply for males, because his politics contrast wildly with their own.

Now is not a time for nihilism or whining. Take a look at the press conference from yesterday, the newly installed Minister for Men and Boys is standing alongside the Premier (Edbrooke is literally on Allan’s right, he is her “right-hand man”). Paul Edbrooke is a genuine hero, having saved lives and serving his community for decades, with real-life experience as a teacher and as a firefighter.

Today we celebrate the world-first appointment of a Minister for Men and Boys. Tomorrow we press the Victorian government, the Special Envoy for Men’s Health, and every other decision maker for concrete improvements for males (with positives spill overs for our society): reducing male suicide through targeted programs that demonstrate empathy for men and boys; fairer health funding and services that are tailored for the needs and preferences of men; lifting education outcomes for boys and young men across literacy and school completion as well as boosting male teacher numbers (especially in primary schools).

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The pace of progress has definitely accelerated.

After a landmark year in 2025 (documented in detail in my earlier report) the first three months of 2026 have delivered such a concentration of meaningful wins and forward momentum that it felt necessary to publish a quarterly update, rather than wait until the end of this year. Across the Anglosphere (and increasingly beyond) we are seeing something that would have seemed unlikely just a few years ago: sustained, bipartisan, multi-sector progress in recognising and addressing the challenges facing men and boys… And this should absolutely be celebrated.

This isn’t a fringe conversation anymore. It’s entering parliaments, shaping legislation, influencing public health strategy, and being discussed openly by leaders across politics, academia, and civil society. The tone is also shifting: away from grievance and towards constructive, evidence-based, and male-positive solutions. What follows is a summary of the most important wins and achievements from January to March 2026.

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United States: Breakthrough Legislative Momentum

The United States continues to lead the way in terms of policy innovation and legislative action for men and boys.

Virginia Sets a National Precedent

The most significant development of the quarter is the passage of legislation in the state of Virginia to establish the first-ever Boys and Men Advisory Commission in the United States.

• Passed with overwhelming bipartisan support (40–0 in the Senate, 91–6 in the House)

• Designed to advise lawmakers on education, health, economic opportunity, and family life

• Structured similarly to existing commissions for women, signalling parity in policy attention

As Richard V. Reeves noted, this level of bipartisan unity is remarkable in a polarised era and demonstrates that supporting men and boys isn’t a partisan issue, but a governance priority.

This is a genuine breakthrough. It creates a replicable model for other states, and potentially for federal policy…

Federal Bills Introduced with Bipartisan Support

Momentum is also building at the national level:

• State of Men’s Health Act (H.R. 7602)
  → Proposes a federal Office of Men’s Health within the Department of Health and Human Services

• White House Council on Fathers and Sons Act
  → Focuses on strengthening families, fatherhood, and male wellbeing

Both bills have Democratic and Republican sponsors, reinforcing a key theme of this movement: progress for men and boys is increasingly bipartisan.

In addition, states such as California are proposing to formally recognise young men and boys as a priority group in suicide prevention, reflecting the growing alignment between data and policy.

From Conversation to Infrastructure

Taken together, these developments represent a shift from:

• Awareness → Action

• Advocacy → Institutionalisation

The United States is moving toward embedding men and boys within the architecture of public policy, rather than treating their issues as peripheral.

United Kingdom: Expanding Research, Dialogue, and Recognition

The United Kingdom continues to build on the strong foundation laid in 2025, with further expansion in research, policy engagement, and public discourse.

Male Domestic Abuse Conference (Liverpool)

On 6 March 2026, Liverpool John Moores University hosted a major Male Domestic Abuse Conference, bringing together practitioners, researchers, and advocates.

This is significant for two reasons:

• It advances recognition of male victims of domestic abuse

• It strengthens the evidence base and professional capability in this area

For decades, male victimisation has been under-recognised. Events like this signal a shift toward more inclusive, evidence-based policy and practice.

Institutional Momentum Continues

Following the May 2025 launch of the Centre for Policy Research on Men and Boys, the UK continues to:

• Expand policy dialogue

• Engage cross-party political support

• Integrate men’s issues into mainstream debate

There is also continued recognition at senior levels of government, including commitments toward a national summit on men and boys.

Canada: Toward a National Men’s Health Strategy

Canada is making meaningful progress toward a national Men and Boys’ Health Strategy, a long-awaited development.

Key elements include:

• Federal commitment to developing a coordinated strategy

• Growing collaboration between government, researchers, and advocacy groups

• Formation of a multi-partisan parliamentary caucus focused on men’s issues

This reflects a broader shift:

From fragmented initiatives → to a coherent national framework

Canada’s approach is particularly notable for its emphasis on:

• Mental health

• Suicide prevention

• Homelessness

• Family and social support systems

Australia: Political Recognition Gains Momentum

Australia continues to make incremental but important progress, with growing political recognition across multiple jurisdictions.

New South Wales: Shadow Parliamentary Role Established

In January 2026, Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane appointed a Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Men’s Health.

This is significant because:

• It elevates men’s issues within the largest state of Australia

• It signals growing bipartisan recognition

• It includes a positive framing, encouraging society to celebrate masculinity

Building Toward a Minister for Men and Boys

Australia is increasingly moving toward a more structured approach to male-focused policy, as outlined by:

• Expansion of roles to include men’s health and wellbeing

• Appointment of a federal Special Envoy for Men’s Health (May 2025)

• Growing parliamentary engagement across parties

At the same time, the case for a Minister for Men and Boys continues to strengthen very significantly, given:

• Educational underperformance of boys

• Male suicide rates

• Workforce risks and mortality disparities

The direction of travel is clear: from symbolic recognition toward institutional responsibility.

Grassroots and Community Leadership

Local initiatives also continue to play a vital role, including:

• Community forums on men’s health and wellbeing

• Collaboration between organisations such as Movember, The Man Cave, and local networks

• Expansion of community-based support services

These efforts reinforce an important principle:

Sustainable change happens when policy and community action align

Global Developments Beyond the Anglosphere

While the large English-speaking countries remain the primary drivers of policy progress, important developments are occurring globally.

Expansion of Commissions and Policy Initiatives

• Legislative and advocacy efforts are continuing, or emerging, across multiple U.S. states

• Continued calls for commissions on men and boys in other jurisdictions

• Growing international coordination through organisations such as the International Council for Men and Boys (ICMB)

Civil Society and Academic Growth

• Conferences, symposiums, and public events across Europe, Asia, and Africa

• Increasing research output on male disadvantage

• Continued growth of global advocacy networks

Cultural and Intellectual Momentum

• Ongoing public debate around education, masculinity, and social cohesion

• Increased willingness to engage with difficult questions about male outcomes

• Broader recognition that supporting men strengthens families and societies

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A Movement That Is Maturing

One of the most encouraging developments is not just what is happening, but how it is happening…

This movement is increasingly characterised by:

• Bipartisanship (U.S. legislation, Australian political support)

• Evidence-based thinking (health strategies, academic research)

• Constructive framing (complementing and not competing with the support for women and girls)

• Institution-building (commissions, caucuses, policy offices)

As highlighted in Virginia:

Supporting men and boys isn’t a zero-sum game. We rise together.

Why This Matters

The issues facing men and boys are now widely recognised:

• Educational disengagement

• Mental health challenges

• Suicide and mortality disparities

• Workforce risks

• Family and social disconnection

But what is changing rapidly is the response…

We are seeing:

• Governments acknowledging the data

• Legislators acting on it

• Institutions forming around it

• Communities mobilising in response

This is how lasting change begins, and accelerates towards exciting progress (that is long overdue).

Conclusion: A Turning Point in Motion

The first quarter of 2026 has confirmed what 2025 began: this is no longer a marginal conversation. It’s a global movement gaining structure, legitimacy, and momentum…

From Virginia’s landmark legislation, to bipartisan bills in the U.S. Congress, to national strategy development in Canada, to political recognition in Australia, and to growing research and dialogue in the United Kingdom, the trajectory is unmistakably positive.

There is still much work to be done. Policies must be implemented, refined, and properly resourced. Cultural resistance must continue to soften. Additional data must be collected and analysed. And above all, the focus must remain on practical outcomes that improve the lives of men and boys. In doing so, this will strengthen families, communities, and society as a whole…

For the first time in a long time, there is real cause for optimism.

The pace of progress is accelerating. The conversations are maturing. The solutions are becoming clearer.

And perhaps most importantly, a simple but powerful idea is taking hold across countries and cultures:

Caring about men and boys isn’t controversial, it is essential for our societies.

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International Men’s Day on the 19^th of November was founded in 1999 by Dr Jerome Teelucksingh, a history lecturer at the University of the West Indies in Trinidad and Tobago. For the last twenty-seven years, IMD has been celebrated on November 19 each year. And 2026 will be the twenty-eighth consecutive commemoration of International Men’s Day. Source: https://internationalmensday.com/about/history-background/

During the last ten years, it has become common to read that International Men’s Day is being marked in about 80 countries around the world. The source of this assertion is gradually being lost to time, as the advocacy of men and boys continues to move forwards.

An extensive (but incomplete) effort by David Maywald and Celebrating Masculinity has revealed that International Men’s Day 2025 was marked in more than 110 countries around the world. This encompasses debates in national parliaments, official recognition by governments, gala dinner functions, keynote speeches, a wide range of media coverage, business events to champion the contributions of men, non-profit activities to rally support for men, gatherings in many different languages, and community festivals to pay respect and admiration towards men.

The sources and references are reproduced below as an audit trail. All of these URLs were personally viewed during early March 2026, with each being confirmed as a live and valid link.

• Afghanistan

• Albania

• Angola

• Antigua and Barbuda

• Argentina

• Armenia

• Aruba

• Australia

• Austria

• Bahrain

• Bangladesh

• Belgium

• Bhutan

• Bolivia

• Bosnia and Herzegovina

• Botswana

• Brazil

• Burundi

• Canada

• Cayman Islands

• Chile

• China

• Colombia

• Costa Rica

• Croatia

• Cuba

• Czech Republic

• Denmark

• Ecuador

• Egypt

• England

• Fiji

• Finland

• France

• Germany

• Ghana

• Greece

• Grenada

• Guyana

• Hungary

• India

• Indonesia

• Iran

• Iraq

• Ireland

• Isle of Man

• Israel

• Italy

• Jamaica

• Japan

• Jordan

• Kenya

• Kuwait

• Laos

• Latvia

• Lebanon

• Luxembourg

• Malaysia

• Malta

• Mexico

• Moldova

• Mongolia

• Myanmar

• Nepal

• Netherlands

• New Zealand

• Nigeria

• Northern Ireland

• Norway

• Oman

• Pakistan

• Panama

• Peru

• Philippines

• Poland

• Portugal

• Qatar

• Romania

• Russia

• Saint Kitts and Nevis

• Saint Lucia

• Samoa

• Saudi Arabia

• Scotland

• Seychelles

• Sierra Leone

• Singapore

• Slovenia

• South Africa

• South Korea

• Spain

• Sri Lanka

• Swaziland

• Sweden

• Switzerland

• Taiwan

• Tanzania

• Thailand

• Trinidad and Tobago

• Tunisia

• Turkey

• Uganda

• Ukraine

• United Arab Emirates

• United States

• Uruguay

• Uzbekistan

• Venezuela

• Vietnam

• Wales

• Zimbabwe

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The previous highest claim of the number of countries marking International Men’s Day is “more than 90 countries”: https://internationalmensday.com/media/

The searches conducted above were not exhaustive, and it’s highly likely that the total for 2025 sits much higher than 111 countries. There are generally considered to be 195 countries in the world (including 2 non-member states of the United Nations)…

So it can confidently now be said that International Men’s Day on the 19^th of November continues to expand as the largest annual celebration of males worldwide, with a clear majority of countries participating…

During 2026, the International Council for Men and Boys (ICMB) is working to achieve reform of the United Nations, with a campaign that encompasses three key goals:

1. United Nations recognition of International Men’s Day.

2. United Nations mandatory reporting of male and female outcomes from UN programs (including the Sustainable Development Goals).

3. United Nations adoption of the New York Declaration for Men and Boys.

Source: https://www.menandboys.net/un-2/

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Dr. James L. Nuzzo of The Nuzzo Letter has catalogued the official days of observance for the United Nations. The UN currently observes 15 days for girls and women, but none for boys and men:

The Nuzzo Letter

UN Days of Observance for Women and Men

This brief updates my previous analysis from August 2025 of the United Nations’ (UN) days of observance for women and men. The current analysis was conducted on March 10, 2026…

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8 months ago · 21 likes · 23 comments

Over the last decade and a half, the yearly themes for International Men’s Day have encompassed positive male role models, men’s health, supporting men and boys, reducing male suicide, giving boys the best start in life, male longevity, and other topics...

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Men%27s_Day

Three weeks ago, the global leadership team of International Men’s Day announced the agreed theme for this year’s celebration: “The Future Is Everyone”. This is an inclusive pivot and an enhancement from the feminist slogan of the 1970s “The Future Is Female”.

Great harm has been done to our societies through the polarisation and division of the “gender wars” between the sexes. The 2026 theme for International Men’s Day is a call for healing and reconciliation, where everyone is supported…

The story of International Men’s Day is no longer about whether it exists, or whether it matters. It’s about public recognition catching up with the lived reality across the majority of the world. Spanning more than 110 countries (and likely many more) people are already doing the work: supporting men and boys, strengthening families, and building healthier societies.

The next step isn’t ideological victory, but institutional maturity and social acknowledgement. With the theme for 2026 being “The Future Is Everyone” the challenge before us is simple and profound: to ensure that our global institutions, our cultural narratives, and our compassion reflect that truth.

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A concerning gap has opened up between the proportion of young people who are Not in Education, Employment, or Training (NEET). Amongst 18-24 year olds, there were 7.2% fewer males in full-time work, education or training as of 2024. This mirrors the UK data, showing that the education and employment prospects for females are improving at the same time as these are worsening for males...

"A new federal Education Department analysis of university enrolments, based on the most recent 2024 data, states that “males are less likely to commence higher education than 10 years ago’’.

Female commencing enrolments grew by 7.3 per cent between 2015 and 2024, while male enrolments fell 5.9 per cent."

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This federal inquiry is a fantastic opportunity to lift up all students, and to support all families:

"Mr Clare said he wants to make the education system “better and fairer for every child’’...

Federal opposition education spokesman Julian Leeser urged parents to write to the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Education if they are “concerned that the education system is leaving your boys behind’’.

“The evidence on boys’ education is compelling … we are seeing gaps at almost every level,’’ he said. “If the committee also finds ways to improve girls’ education, that’s great too, because this has never been a zero-sum game.

“I have a son and a daughter in the education system, and I want them both to succeed – I think almost every Australian parent would feel the same.’’

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Excerpts above from The Australian newspaper article on "Inquiry into growing gender gap at school as boys fall further behind" by Education Editor Natasha Bita:

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/education/inquiry-into-growing-gender-gap-at-school-as-boys-fall-further-behind/news-story/4ef465719977c894fafdfde6ec59fe46

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The messages were passionate, sometimes raw, often deeply personal...

But beneath the frustration and strong language, three consistent and pragmatic themes emerged:
1️⃣ Men’s lives matter, especially in suicide prevention.
2️⃣ Men’s health funding must be proportionate and transparent.
3️⃣ Boys need education systems that work for them, not against them.

Many respondents expressed anger about family law, media narratives, or cultural messaging. Others urged calm, coalition-building, and evidence-based reform.

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One comment captured the constructive path forward:
“Addressing disadvantage among boys and men is not a zero-sum exercise… it strengthens families and communities.”

Another wrote:
“Supporting men doesn’t mean stealing from women. It means acknowledging both genders face struggles.”

And another:
“Healthy societies depend on both men and women being able to contribute.”

The spirit of balance (not grievance) is where durable change lies...

Three Practical and Achievable Goals (During The Next Two Years)
After analysing all responses, three SMART, centrist, coalition-friendly goals stand out:

1️⃣ Reduce male suicide to fewer than 2,000 deaths per year
• Targeted prevention in high-risk groups
• Funded pilot programs in male-dominated workplaces
• Evidence-informed reforms, following inquiries like the ACT review of high male suicide rates
• Better data collection and accountability

This isn't abstract. It is urgent.

2️⃣ Double men’s health research funding and improve male-friendly healthcare services
• Increase NHMRC funding for Men’s Health research by 100% (there is currently 5-6 times more funding for Women's Health compared to Men's Health)
• Expand prostate cancer, mental health and preventable disease initiatives
• Deliver services that men actually use

Fair funding isn't about taking from women, it's about proportionality and transparency.

3️⃣ Improve boys’ education outcomes
• Close the large literacy gap (which is clearly visible in NAPLAN/PISA results at Year 9)
• Lift high school and trade pathway completion for boys and young men
• Increase male primary teachers from 18% towards 30%

Boys who read, complete school, and see positive male role models are far less likely to disengage later.

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What Comes Next?
Advocacy must move beyond commentary. Over the coming months, I will:
• Rally support to amplify these goals to people in positions of power
• Collaborate with organisations and leaders willing to work constructively
• Seek policy discussions at forums such as the 2026 International Men’s Day Forum in Canberra
• Broaden the conversation through discussion in various media

The goal is simple: Build a broad coalition (men and women, left and right) around these three achievable reforms.

Not culture war.
Not symbolism.
Outcomes, for men and boys...

If you support these three goals (reducing male suicide, fair health funding, and improving boys’ education outcomes), then I invite you to:
✔ Share this post
✔ Comment your support
✔ Amplify these goals and build the coalition, by asking politicians/media/decision makers for these to be achieved...

When men and boys thrive, families are stronger. When families are stronger, society is more stable.

Stronger together.

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