Zimbabwe will this year mark International Men's Day for the first time in the event's 13-year-old history.

The day is observed in 50 other countries on November 19, but the date for the belated local celebrations would be announced soon.

Women Affairs, Gender and Community Development Minister Dr Olivia Muchena said on Monday that they were looking forward to celebrating the event on the same scale as the International Women's Day.

"It is an occasion to highlight discrimination against men and boys and to celebrate their achievements and contributions, in particular for their contributions to community, family, marriage and child care," she said.

"We are bringing this issue on the cards for public debate and we will engage various social commentators to discuss the initiative so that it can be embraced the world over."

Dr Muchena said the day was meant to improve gender relations and promote gender equality.

She said the event would also promote men's health and wellbeing in various aspects.

This year's theme for the celebrations is: "helping men and boys live longer, happier and healthier lives".

Dr Muchena said the official celebrations would be held after the 16 days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence that started on Saturday. The 50 countries that celebrate International Men's Day include Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, South Africa, China, Australia, the US, Britain, Canada, Denmark and Austria.