Soldier’s Day in Mongolia: Honouring the Past, Supporting the Present

Last updated 1 month ago by Jessica Brooks | Published: March 18, 2025

Soldier’s Day in Mongolia

Soldier’s Day in Mongolia, celebrated on March 18, is a time to honour the country’s military personnel and veterans. Often considered Mongolia’s equivalent of Russia’s Defender of the Fatherland Day, it marks the founding of the Mongolian People’s Army in 1921—an institution that played a crucial role in securing Mongolia’s independence.

Official ceremonies recognise the contributions of Mongolian soldiers and veterans, particularly those who continue to serve such as the United Nations Peacekeepers and who served in World War II, the 1939 Battle of Khalkhin Gol in eastern Mongolia, and the Mongolian Revolution. However, over time, Soldier’s Day in Mongolia has evolved beyond its military origins and is now informally known as “Men’s Day”, a counterpart to International Women’s Day (March 8) which is widely celebrated in Mongolia. On this day, Mongolian men—regardless of their military service—are celebrated for their contributions to society.

For us at Eternal Landscapes, Soldier’s Day in Mongolia is also an opportunity to honour the male members of our team—from our drivers to our community partners, including the herders with whom we’ve built long-term relationships.

A Changing Landscape for Mongolia’s Men

Mongolia’s tourism sector has undergone significant changes in recent years, with a new generation of younger, university-educated drivers and guides entering the industry. While this shift reflects Mongolia’s modernisation, it has also had a ripple effect—leading to reduced employment opportunities for older, traditional male tourism drivers, who once dominated this field.

For these men, the decline in demand for their services isn’t just a financial setback; it also affects their self-esteem and social status, both of which are deeply tied to traditional Mongolian masculinity.

This issue extends beyond tourism. Mongolia is experiencing a broader societal transformation, and many older men—particularly those from rural and herding backgrounds—are struggling to adapt to new economic realities. In this rapidly evolving society, some feel marginalised and left behind.

Toxic Masculinity and Its Impact on Mongolia’s Men

One of the key challenges facing Mongolia’s older, more traditional men is the deep-rooted issue of toxic masculinity. While younger generations are increasingly moving away from rigid gender norms, many older men still wrestle with outdated expectations of strength, stoicism, and self-reliance.

Toxic masculinity in Mongolia manifests through traditional strict gender roles that discourage men from showing vulnerability or seeking help. In rural areas, these pressures are amplified by climate change, which directly impacts herders’ ability to provide for their families. Yet, instead of being able to openly discuss their struggles, many feel compelled to silently shoulder the burden alone.

This dynamic is especially evident among the male herders with whom we’ve built long-term partnerships. The expectation to be the sole provider and protector creates additional stress, leading to mental health challenges, isolation, and strained relationships. Without social or financial support networks, these men are left to navigate climate-related hardships in silence—further reinforcing the damaging effects of toxic masculinity.

Building Support Networks Through Tourism

Through our long-term partnerships with herding families, we’ve helped create an informal yet essential support system—one that extends beyond financial aid. While these families may have relatives who would traditionally offer support, many work in different provinces, are limited by their own financial constraints, or are simply unable to provide consistent assistance.

By maintaining regular communication, collaboration, and shared experiences, we help foster a sense of community and mutual support among our partners. This is especially important for the older male members of Mongolia’s herding communities, who often find themselves navigating social and economic challenges with little external assistance.

In Mongolian culture, experience and seniority have traditionally been valued, but as societal structures change, many older men feel increasingly excluded. By continuing to engage these individuals through tourism, we aim to provide not just employment opportunities, but also a sense of purpose and belonging.

How It Works in Our Team

At Eternal Landscapes, we work within a unique team dynamic that reflects Mongolia’s evolving social landscape.

Our female trip assistants are often younger than our male drivers, a setup that might not seem culturally intuitive at first—but in practice, it works. These young women have grown up during Mongolia’s rapid social and economic transformation, embracing education and employment opportunities that previous generations of women did not have access to.

Meanwhile, our male drivers represent an older generation – one that experienced Mongolia’s transition from socialism to a market economy. This shift brought newfound freedoms but also economic uncertainties, which some men continue to struggle with today.

The interaction between these two generations—tradition vs. modernity—often plays out during our trips, offering a real-world example of Mongolia’s broader societal shifts in action.

This balance of perspectives within our team creates a microcosm of the larger changes taking place across Mongolia, highlighting how tradition and modernity intersect in everyday life.

Looking Ahead

Soldier’s Day in Mongolia may have started as a tribute to Mongolia’s military personnel, but its evolution into a celebration of men’s contributions reflects the broader changes happening in Mongolian society. While some men thrive in this new environment, others struggle to find their place.

At Eternal Landscapes, one of our core values is equity—not just for our female team members, but for our male members as well. We remain committed to supporting Mongolia’s male workforce, ensuring they are not left behind in the country’s rapid transformation. Whether through employment opportunities, long-term community partnerships, or fostering meaningful support networks, we strive to create a space where tradition and modernity can coexist—and where all Mongolians, regardless of age or gender, can thrive.

Learn more about how we support Mongolia’s male tourism drivers and local communities: https://www.eternal-landscapes.co.uk/supporting-mongolias-male-tourism-drivers/

Final Thoughts

Mongolia is changing—but change does not have to mean exclusion. By recognising the unique challenges faced by both traditional and modern Mongolian men, we can create a more inclusive, resilient society.

Soldier’s Day in Mongolia is not just a moment to honour the past—it’s also an opportunity to support Mongolia’s men in the present and future.

How You Can Help

If you’re interested in responsible tourism that directly supports local communities, consider traveling with Eternal Landscapes. Your journey helps sustain meaningful employment and cultural preservation while fostering real connections with Mongolia’s people and landscapes.