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Men cry foul: Did women forget International Men’s Day, or do they just not care?
20th November, 2025 10:07 AM
Yesterday, November 19, was International Men’s Day, a day meant to celebrate men, appreciate their efforts, and maybe even spoil them a little. A card, a message, a small gift, maybe even some flowers. In theory, all these will sound simple. Except for many men in Kenya, the day passed like any other Tuesday.
No fanfare, no acknowledgement, and some did not even get a “Happy Men’s Day” text. This is evident in the number of men who are complaining on the internet that their women let the day pass without a special treat. For those who did something special for their partner, well, keep contributing to society!
International Men’s Day exists, but in Kenya it quietly slipped under the radar this year, last year and the years before. Unlike Women’s Day or Valentine’s Day, which are impossible to miss because of billboards, adverts, and endless reminders on Instagram, Men’s Day does not get the same hype.
For many women, it simply does not register. Not because they are forgetful or uncaring, but because the day has been quietly allowed to exist without much fanfare, marketing, or social pressure. In short, it is a day waiting to be noticed, rather than a day that demands attention.
Financial constraints?
Another obvious reason is money. Celebrations cost, and not everyone has extra cash lying around to buy gifts. Rent, bills, groceries, school fees, these are the realities most people navigate every day. Even a small gesture can feel like a big ask. Some men may have expected flowers, a watch, chocolates, or even a meal out, but the truth is that celebrating someone does not need to be expensive. Simple things can carry just as much meaning.
A heartfelt message, a warm hug, or even just spending quality time together can make someone feel celebrated. Financial limitations should not be mistaken for a lack of care, yet often they are, and that is where frustration starts to creep in.
Awareness
Awareness, or the lack of it, is another factor. Many women and men, too, simply do not know the significance of November 19. International Men’s Day is about more than gifts. It is meant to focus on men’s health, mental well-being, and positive social roles. If that context is not understood, the day can feel like just another date on the calendar, a day to ignore without even realising it. Even when someone knows the day exists, they might not connect it with action or celebration.
Its meaning is subtle, which makes it easy to overlook in a busy life.
Norm
In many households, men are expected to provide and protect. There is a lingering idea that men do not need validation or pampering, and that celebrating them is unnecessary. In that context, taking Men’s Day seriously may not even occur as a priority.
Showing appreciation might feel awkward or even out of place. The expectation that men should always be strong, resilient, and self-sufficient shapes how women approach the day, sometimes without even consciously thinking about it.
Calender
Yes, some men are disappointed. It is fair to feel unappreciated. Being ignored or not acknowledged on a day meant for celebration stings. Social media is full of men lamenting that they did not get gifts, cards, or even a simple message. Some are joking, some are serious, and some are honestly questioning whether anyone notices or cares about them at all. But perhaps the bigger picture is worth considering. Women are often juggling multiple priorities and managing busy lives. Men’s Day might not feel like an urgent day to celebrate in the same way that Valentine’s Day or Mother’s Day does. That does not mean women do not care; it simply means the day has not been embedded into the social calendar in a way that makes it feel essential.
If Men’s Day is going to mean something, it needs more than complaints and social media rants. It needs awareness, understanding, and a little flexibility. Men can remind their partners, celebrate themselves, or encourage friends to mark the day. Women can be gently reminded, without guilt trips, to acknowledge the men in their lives. Celebrating someone does not need to come with a receipt or a tangible gift. Sometimes words, time, attention, or shared experiences are more than enough to make someone feel appreciated.
