THURSDAY, 19 NOVEMBER 2024, Port Moresby, NCD | International Men's Day 2024 is a global observance that celebrates the positive contributions and achievements of men while addressing important issues affecting men's health, well-being, and gender equality.

This year’s theme, “Positive Role Models- Men's Health Champions” – will help shine a spotlight on both the problems of men's health and the people delivering the solutions In celebration of the International Men’s Day, Digicel Foundation’s Men of Honor will launch a film featuring season seven’s Ambassador Michael Yapi from Mt Hagen in Western Highlands. Yapi’s story is one of an ordinary man, doing extra ordinary things in his community.

Men have the power to create legacies of peace by choosing to prioritize empathy, understanding, and cooperation over aggression and conflict. Yapi's story is about a boy who was born into a polygamous family during a time of tribal conflict. Growing up, he watched his father restore peace in the community and swore to continue the legacy when he became a man.

He also did not forget the struggles of his mothers, and today, he supports widows, donating his coffee plantation to the women to harvest and sell for money to support themselves and their families. Yapi is an extraordinary person, who chose to continue his father's legacy of peace.

Digicel Foundation CEO Serena Sasingian says that the International Men’s Day is a great opportunity to take part in a global conversation about manhood, masculinity and men's issues. “For us at the Foundation, the International Men’s Day is a great opportunity to celebrate men and boys in all their diversity. Across the world, people use the day to highlight some of the key social issues that men face, it’s also about valuing male role models, acknowledging the contribution of men and boys, improving male health and fostering positive gender relations, making the world a safer place for everyone,” she said.

To date the Foundation has recognized 107 men as Men of Honour Ambassadors through an Annual Awards show. Going forward the Foundation will continue to tell the stories of these men to inspire the next generation to following their example.