The International Day of Families is celebrated on 15th May of every year. It is a day started by the United Nations in 1994 to acknowledge the needs and challenges that families are facing. As a society, we all need to appreciate and solve these issues as they come up. The day is also meant to remind people that families are instrumental in the thriving of communities.

Despite the transformation of societies due to global and demographic changes, families remain the cornerstone of every community. No family is similar to the other; some are privileged while others are poor. The privileged ones, can do their part during this celebration and learn about the issues facing the poor families. Every year, the UN chooses a different theme for the holiday. For example, in 2020 the theme was, “Families in Development of Copenhagen & Beijing +25”. 2020 marked the 25th anniversary of the Copenhagen Declaration and the Beijing Platform for Action. Both of these are essential UN mandates that are pushing toward the preservation of human right around the world.

International Day of Families is important for the following reasons; it highlights the essentials of a family as a societal pillar. The promotion of strong family ties results in the strengthening of communities’ long-term goals. Supporting members of families to achieve their goals, other people who need help are considered resulting in the creation of a better world. Celebration of this day is also a reminder that families are different. A family has different structures that include size, and colors. However, there are no definitions of people you love. It does not matter their color, or economic status, as long as they are your family members. The celebration also gives people a chance to challenge difficult conversations about issues facing families. Some family issues of discussion include poverty, hunger, and domestic violence.

There are several ways of celebrating International Day of Families such as spending time with the less privileged. All the various celebration ways are meant to prevent family, community, and social breakdowns.