Fathers who actively participate in caregiving contribute significantly to the well-being of their children, families, and themselves. Research has shown that men are equally capable of nurturing and supporting a child’s growth, enhancing cognitive, emotional, and social development. Despite growing recognition of the importance of shared caregiving, many early childhood services and social programs still prioritize maternal involvement. It’s time to close this gap and ensure fathers are supported as active participants in family life.

The European Union has made strides in promoting gender-equitable caregiving through key policies such as the Strategy on the Rights of the Child, the European Child Guarantee, and the European Care Strategy, which emphasize the need for equal caregiving responsibilities. However, successful implementation of these policies requires effective, father-inclusive programs and systemic change.

This event will:

• Showcase the transformative impact of father involvement in caregiving, with a focus on child development, gender equity, and family well-being.
• Share insights from evidence-based programs, highlighting best practices, challenges, and real-world implementation experiences.
• Advocate for inclusive approaches in early childhood services, social policies, and workplace structures that support father engagement.
• Promote systemic change by integrating father-specific programs into early childhood services, professional training, and workplace policies.
• Strengthen policy and partnership efforts by exploring how EU initiatives can better integrate fatherhood engagement.
• Launch "Men’s and Fathers’ Engagement in Nurturing Care: The Compendium of Good and Promising Practices", providing concrete guidance for policymakers and practitioners.

Speakers

Host & Facilitator: Ayca Alayli, ISSA Program Manager 

Panelists: 

• Frontline Worker (practice perspective): Ergin Dikme – ACEV; Father Support Program (FSP) trainer& field supervisor  
• Master Trainer (workforce capacity perspective): Angela Giusti - Italian National Institute of Health - National Center for Disease Prevention and Health Promotion; Senior Researcher  
• Expert (evidence perspective): Tatiana Moura - CES & observatory of masculinities, Principal Researcher 

Join us to explore how we can create systemic change and build a more equitable future for families, communities, and society by supporting fathers in their caregiving roles.

REGISTER NOW