EMiNC | Spain

Spain boasts some of the most progressive paternity leave policies in the region, offering fathers significant time off to care for their children. However, the cultural reality often limits the full impact of these policies. Many fathers still default to taking leave alongside mothers rather than independently, reducing the opportunities for fathers to fully engage in caregiving. Evidence suggests that this dynamic perpetuates traditional caregiving roles and diminishes the transformative potential of progressive leave policies.

Amid these challenges, work is being done to train ECD professionals, particularly in Barcelona, to better involve fathers in early childhood education settings. Health professionals and university students are also being targeted through pre-service training programs that emphasize the importance of father engagement. Additionally, community-based efforts include father groups and activities that encourage men to participate in caregiving roles outside traditional family structures, such as kindergartens.

While Spain’s progressive policies create a solid foundation, the cultural context requires ongoing efforts to normalize caregiving as a shared responsibility. At the same time, emerging narratives around positive masculinity and the emotional value of fatherhood are helping counterbalance a reactionary movement pushing against these changes, offering hope for continued progress.

This page will be regularly updated with news and resources related to the EMiNC initiative in Spain.

=> Read the latest update from the EMiNC countries.