The importance of fathers being actively involved in raising their children and sharing family responsibilities equally is well-documented in numerous studies, as well as reflected in positive examples from countries that have embraced these values. To enable working fathers to take part in such practices, it is crucial to promote the use of parental leave designated for child care.
Employer support is essential to break the stigma. Only a small number of fathers take parental leave, even though active fatherhood is just as important for gender equality, challenging the common perception of fathers as “secondary” parents, as it is for children’s emotional development.
Yet in practice, many men face stigma and a lack of employer support when trying to exercise these rights. Fearing job loss or judgment from colleagues and their communities, many don’t even consider taking paternity or parental leave.
These are companies that actively support and educate employees about (future) parenthood and the challenges both men and women face when they become parents.
