WILLEMSTAD - Across the world, International Men’s Day was celebrated yesterday under the theme “Celebrating Our Men and Our Boys.” In Curaçao, the Ministry of Social Development, Labor and Welfare (SOAW) described the day as a moment of reflection and tribute to men “for their dedication, courage and determination as strong pillars of our community.” This year’s celebration carried extra festive energy following the Curaçao national football team’s historic qualification for the 2026 World Cup. Minister Charetti America-Francisca congratulated the people of Curaçao — and especially its men and boys — on both occasions.
As the ministry responsible for social development, America-Francisca emphasized not only her congratulations to the national team but also the deeper meaning behind their achievement. “Their success represents more than qualifying for the World Cup,” she said. “It symbolizes how we want to equip our men with resilience, unity and the potential to accomplish anything they pursue. The sense of celebration, pride and hope our boys have shown today is something we want to anchor in our community by addressing the challenges men and boys face daily.”
The minister called for continued efforts to build a nation in which respect, care and love for men and boys take center stage — a society where families and the country as a whole can grow through their strength and leadership.
International Men’s Day, she added, serves as a reminder of the responsibility to uplift and empower Curaçao’s men and boys. Their essential role in building strong families, healthy communities and a prosperous society should be fully recognized. SOAW is therefore developing long-term strategies to expand its programs with more inclusion and focus on the needs of men and boys, creating environments where they are celebrated, visible, empowered and supported.
“Happy International Men’s Day!” the ministry said in its closing message. “Together we continue building a future in which our men and boys dream big and create lasting, meaningful stories for our country.”
