Here’s tracking and acknowledging the importance and presence of men in the journey of women entrepreneurs
International Men’s Day is celebrated on November 19 every year. In fact, the date coincides with the birthday of the father of Dr Jerome Teelucksingh, a doctor from Trinidad and Tobago, who relaunched International Men’s Day in 1999.
Despite the existence of the global event over the past two decades, there are people who don’t know that such a day exists!
If you ask, why is celebrated, let me tell you that the aim of International Men’s Day is to celebrate positive male role models and to raise awareness of men’s issues. These include topics such as mental health, toxic masculinity and the even prevalence of male suicide (which is not commonly known).
Every year has a theme. What is this year’s theme? The theme for International Men’s Day 2018 is ‘Positive Male Role Models’. And the inspiration behind this year’s chosen theme is to put the spotlight on positive role models to raise awareness of men’s health and wellbeing. A good set of focus areas, that women can also concentrate on.
For women entrepreneurs, it is often the case where they have got huge support in the men in their lives, which helped them in setting up their own business. Men do represent a lot of hard work and uphill battles. Similarly, women also have to fight many battles to set their business.
Today would be a good day for them to appreciate and acknowledge the extended hand that they experienced in their lives.
• Anshu Patni Singhi, Founder, Katha Pictures
Having grown up with two elder brothers and a father who has been more like a friend and confidante, I don’t think I can discount the importance of men in my life. My biggest supporters have been the two men in my family: my father and my husband, who are my sounding board, my leveller and at moments when I doubt myself, my confidence giver.
Also at work, I have had the opportunity of working with one of best business leaders in entertainment, my ex boss and mentor Vijay Subramaniam .
At different occasions, these men continue to inspire me, guide me and be my biggest support system. Both genders are like Yin and Yang. Two forces which can be exclusive but when working in sync the results are incredible.
• Nitu Malladi, nitubajwa.com, Proprietor & Nutrition & Fitness coach
A man is the compliment of women, and is the piece needed to have a family. This is why he is so important. Happy Men’s Day!!
The person I would want to mention here would be none other than my husband. He has been the driving force behind my ambitions, the one who keeps me grounded, motivated and has also given me a wonderful family. He is indeed, a man of integrity, with a great sense of responsibility – someone I always look up to.
Avtar Madan
Himanshu
Shree Lahiri
