Foundations

Global State of Men and Boys Report 2026

An annual assessment of the 12 global disparities affecting men and boys

The Global State of Men and Boys Report 2026 is ICMB’s inaugural annual assessment of the 12 global disparities affecting men and boys. It draws on evidence from more than 50 countries and is endorsed by the full ICMB Board.

The International Council for Men and Boys (ICMB) presents the inaugural Global State of Men and Boys Report. It is published for International Men’s Day, November 19, 2026. The report draws on evidence from more than 50 countries, along with research from governments, international organizations and universities. All four ICMB Board Directors endorse it.

What the report covers. The report gives two pages to each of the 12 disparities: Education, Health, Boys, False Allegations and Parental Alienation, Victims of Violence, Fatherhood, Criminal System, Partner Abuse, Homelessness, Workplace, Adoption and Reproductive, and Media. Each section sets out the strongest available evidence, assesses current progress and names practical priorities for governments, civil society and international bodies. Seven case studies show what has worked. They include English schools that closed or narrowed the gap in results between boys and girls, Finland’s Housing First program, and Chile’s reduction in mining deaths.

What the report finds. ICMB rated each disparity on five measures: outcome equality, rights and institutional fairness, policy and accountability, implementation and access, and demonstrated progress. Four areas are rated Critical Neglect: False Allegations and Parental Alienation, Victims of Violence, Adoption and Reproductive, and Media. Three are rated Severe Disadvantage: Education, Criminal System and Partner Abuse. Five are rated Significant Disparity: Health, Boys, Fatherhood, Homelessness and Workplace. None of the 12 has yet reached Moderate Progress.

How to read the ratings. The ratings are a structured policy assessment, not a statistical measure. They set a baseline that future editions will use to track progress. The report does not claim that men are disadvantaged everywhere, or that women and girls no longer face serious challenges. It asks that disadvantage be recognized wherever it exists and met with policies in proportion to the evidence.

A request to the United Nations. The report asks the United Nations to recognize measurable disparities affecting men and boys, to collect and publish better sex-disaggregated data, and to add International Men’s Day to its official calendar.

Read the report

Letter-size edition (PDF, 1.8 MB)

Sized for printing in the United States and Canada

A4 edition (PDF, 1.9 MB)

Sized for printing in Europe, Australia and most other countries

Both editions carry the same content.

Cover of the Global State of Men and Boys Report 2026 from the International Council for Men and Boys, showing a man and a boy looking out over a lake

New York Declaration for Men and Boys

Release of the Declaration — March 12, 2025:

Translations:

UN Commission on the Status of Women:

  • On March 13, a well-received presentation about the Declaration was made at a CSW Side Event held at the Millennium Hotel.  –>

Press Releases:

Testimonials in Support of the Declaration:

  • “I applaud the much needed New York Declaration for Men and Boys, highlighting so many of the key issues that are destroying the lives of men and boys across the world. It is shameful that matters such as parental alienation, false allegations, the soaring male suicide rate are kept off the public agenda.” — Bettina Arndt, Mothers of Sons, Australia
  • “With over 20 years of research in parenting, fathering, parent-child relationships, and human development, the scholarship on boys and men is clear. All individuals, regardless of gender, social class, ethnicity, abilities, and any other factors, have the right to dignity and should be free from any forms of abuse.” — Susan Chuang, PhD, International Families Alliance, Canada
  • “Imagine a world where men feel safe to voice their truths. Where men are vulnerable and also strong. Where men speak out and are not canceled.” —Dr. Gilda Carle, author, Real Men Don’t Go Woke
  • “The New York Declaration for Men and Boys is a historic policy document that advocates for common sense solutions for men and boys. A massive thank you on behalf of the children, women and men of the world. Ultimately our children will be the benefactors of your farsighted vision.” — Warwick Marsh, Dads4Kids, Australia
  • “We hereby express our unequivocal support for the New York Declaration for Men and Boys and its mission to promote fairness, equity, and justice for all. The Declaration represents a critical step toward dismantling systemic barriers, challenging harmful stereotypes, and fostering opportunities for men and boys to thrive alongside women and girls.” — Lyn Crabtree, International Falsely Accused Day, England
  • “Take care of the boy child and the man will emerge. Invest in what you desire to see.” — Rosemary Kinuthia, African Boychild Network, Kenya
  • “For too long, we have treated men and boys with indifference or contempt, accusing them, blaming them, and acting towards them as if their only role in modern society is to apologize for being male. It is the duty of men and women of good conscience to reach out to them with compassion and right action.” — Janice Fiamengo, Professor of English, University of Ottawa
  • Article Tom Golden at Men Are Good  See image –>