The International Day of Families is commemorated on the 15th of May each year. The Day underlines the importance of every  caregiver in each family. They may be grandparents, parents, or  even siblings. The day marks the good practices for work and family balance for assisting the parents in their various family roles including caregiving and educational ones.

Good practices from the private sector in support of working parents, as well as youth and older persons in the workplace are also highlighted.

How the Observance of International Day of Families started:

The observance of this Day was declared by the UN General Assembly in 1993. It was in accordance with resolution A/RES/47/237. It recognizes the international community’s high regard towards families and their importance.

The Day extends an opportunity to create  awareness regarding family issues and also to enhance knowledge of demographic, economic and social processes affecting all the families.

2017 Theme: “Families, education and well-being”:

This year’s commemoration  of the International Day of Families highlights the role family-oriented policies in enhancing educational and overall well-being of family members. The Day is expected to increase awareness of the role of family in providing early childhood education, as also, creating more opportunities for not only children but youth also. The Day highlights need to promote sustainable development by acquiring education, knowledge and skills.

How the Day is Observed :

A variety of  events are  staged at international, national and local levels. The functions like seminars, workshops and policy meeting of public officials are held on International Day of Families. Not only this, but exhibitions and educational sessions too are organized for the children and young people in this regard.

Symbols of International Day of Families:

The symbol of the International Day of Families has solid green circle with an image in red. This image has elements of simple drawings of a heart and a house. This denotes that families are the center of any society and these provide a stable and supporting home for individuals of all the ages.

Though celebrating a day only once a year is not enough to realize importance of the family in the life of individual as well as society as a whole. It is an ongoing process which needs a continuous effort. An individual needs to realize the role of family and do whatever is in his power to contribute to develop and realize its goals.