This week the Cayman Islands enters its fifth year of celebrating International Men’s Day (IMD), with activities aimed at, “Making a Difference for Men and Boys”.

On Thursday, 19 November the nation will join 60 countries around the world in observing International Men’s Day. Working under the auspices of the Ministry of Community Affairs, the Family Resource Centre (FRC) has organised three events that will highlight the important role of men in the community and their contribution as fathers, grandfathers and role models.

Men and boys will be the guests of honour at a free event on Thursday, 4.00-8.00 p.m., at King’s Sports Centre, on Crewe Road. Participants will enjoy all the facility has to offer including bowling, rock climbing and skating.

In addition FRC staff will be on hand to offer tips on how men and boys can lead happier, healthier lives.

The day before, on Wednesday, 18 November, representatives of the FRC and guests will hold a roundtable discussion on Radio Cayman’s lunchtime show, Talk Today, from noon to 2.00pm. Members of the public are invited to share in the discussion.

That evening the FRC, at its Compass Centre location, will host a free workshop entitled “Raising Resilient Children” at 6.00 pm. This is an interactive family skills session where parents and children will work together to unlock keys to overcoming different obstacles. Dinner will be provided for all participants.

FRC Coordinator Miriam Foster said, “In celebrating International Men’s Day, we hope to identify areas in which we need to strengthen as a community.

“Hosting the events also serves to focus on men’s health and well-being; improve gender relations and improve gender equality. It can also help us to highlight discrimination against men and other male issues.”

The FRC is also encouraging the public to visit its social media page at facebook.com/familyresourcecentre and submit photos of men or boys making a difference in the community under #CaughtGivingBack.

“These events offer a forum for men to come together with their sons, grandsons, nephews or even younger relatives to help them form relationships and hopefully close any existing gaps, one family at a time,” added Mrs. Foster.

For information on the events contact FRC at 949-0006 or email [email protected].

According to the Family Resource Centre, without positive male role models;
• Boys commit suicide at a rate approximately 3.5 times that of girls.
• Boys experience socio-emotional difficulties but are less likely to receive treatment for mental health problems.
• Boys are three time more likely than girls to carry a weapon.
• Boys are more likely than girls to be involved in (and injured in) physical fights.
• Alcohol use and the use of illegal drugs is higher among teen boys.
• Teen boys are more likely to have had four or more sexual partners than girls—and less likely to have been tested for HIV.
• Boys are more likely than girls to be the victims of serious violent crime.
• Male drivers are twice as many fatal crashes as females.
• One in six boys are sexually abused before age 18.
Photo Captions:
Men and boys take International Men’s Day pledge (2014)
Courtesy Family Resource Centre