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Blog | 19 November 2025

International Men’s Day 2025:

Confronting Stigma & Changing Cultures so Men Can Speak Up

International Men’s Day in 2025 invites us to rethink what it means to support men’s wellbeing in a world where silence is still expected, and stigma remains deeply rooted. This day isn’t about celebrating stereotypes of strength — it’s about recognising the full humanity of men and boys, including their vulnerabilities, fears, and need for support.

One of the most pressing issues this year is the reality that men are among the least likely to report or seek help after experiencing sexual assault or abuse. Harmful cultural expectations, to “man up,” to stay silent, to be invulnerable, continue to prevent many men from reaching out. These pressures don’t just silence individuals; they allow trauma to deepen, relationships to fray, and communities to overlook those who need help most.

Alongside this, deeply ingrained myths created and reinforced by patriarchal norms suggest that “real men” cannot be survivors, that they should have been able to fight back, that they should consider themselves “lucky”, or that their experiences are somehow less serious. These messages don’t only distort public understanding; they become internal barriers that keep survivors isolated and unsupported.
It’s also essential to recognise that sexual violence affects everyone — men, women, boys, girls, and people of all gender identities. It reaches across communities, cultures, and ages, leaving long-term emotional, physical, and psychological impacts. When we only recognise some survivors and overlook others, we allow stigma to thrive and support systems to fail those who need them most.
To change this, we need more than awareness. We need a cultural shift.
That means creating spaces where men feel safe saying, “This happened to me.” It means challenging the myths that dismiss male survivors, widening our understanding of who can be affected by sexual violence, and ensuring services are equipped to support men without judgement. It means listening, believing, and responding with compassion.

International Men’s Day 2025 is a reminder that supporting men is not optional; it’s essential. When we break down stigma and open pathways to help, we don’t just change lives; we save them. And every man who finds the courage to speak up strengthens a culture where no survivor is ever left in the shadows.