International Day of Families

In order to emphasize the mental and emotional contributions of one's family, International Day of Families has been celebrated every year on the May 15 since 1993. This day was proclaimed by the United Nations to create and spread awareness of family-related issues.

International Day of Families  |  Source: ritriwaz

The count does not matter. It varies from two to even sixty people, living under the same roof, together known as a family. When one experiences problems, or even mild discomforts in life, various hands from within the family reach out to help. On the other hand, problems and challenges also appear within the family and because of the family. There are many real-time stories of children who have run away from home, who have been harassed, and who have experienced physical and mental abuse.

Reflecting on these, and other, social, economic, and demographic issues that affect families, to find solutions and provide shield and security for many family-related issues, the Commission for Social and Economic Development requested the Secretary-General of the United Nations to initiate the process of creating awareness in the development of families and to sort solutions for the related problems.

After observing the decisions of the public, governments, and non-governmental and intergovernmental organizations, in 1993 the General Assembly of the United Nations proclaimed the International Day of Families. In 2015, they set seventeen Sustainable Development Goals like no poverty, zero hunger, quality education, Good Health and Well-being, Gender Equality,and so on. To achieve these goals, the role of the family and its oriented policies is vivid.

In the mission of supporting families and furthering their well-being, this day promotes various programs and policies that safeguard the members and stick together as a family. Elders obviously are the leaders to run a family. To enhance their skills, parenting education programs were conducted to teach parents about reducing family stress, and to bring up the children with positive development. Some people have the habit of expressing work pressure at home. To avoid it, they provide policies on family-friendly workspaces with flexible working hours, childcare support, and parental leave.

International Day of Families also works to reduce poverty and conduct programs on social protection of the economic and social needs of the families. They aid in women’s education and empowerment and promote healthy and sustainable life. Every year this day is celebrated with different themes such as "Families and Urbanisation", "Families and New Technologies", "Families Matter for the Achievement of Development Goals", "International Year of the Family", "Confronting Family Poverty and Social Exclusion", and "Ensuring Work-family Balance".

Family is a tree, with many branches. Though the branches differ, they all share the same roots. To make the tree green and prosperous, the International Day of Families is celebrated, strengthening the social fabric of communities and the lives of families.