This compendium, developed under the Engaging Men in Nurturing Care Initiative (EMiNC), provides an overview of programs that promote men’s and fathers’ engagement in nurturing care during early childhood, shared parenting, and child-rearing responsibilities. These programs aim to transform how professionals work with parents and young children while fostering responsive caregiving that encourages men’s involvement.

The compendium compiles evidence across early childhood sectors to support advocacy efforts at the European level under EMiNC. The initiative seeks to address social norms, workplace and home realities, and policies that hinder male engagement. EMiNC’s advocacy strategy aims to raise awareness among policymakers and decision-makers about the benefits of men’s participation in formal and informal nurturing care for children, families, and society. It also seeks to influence public discourse on gender equality to encourage greater male involvement in caregiving.

By showcasing effective and promising practices, the compendium highlights the importance of strengthening programs and services that promote men’s participation in nurturing care. It also underscores the need to expand access to quality early childhood education and care (ECEC) services, in line with the revised Barcelona targets for 2030 (Council of the European Union recommendations on early childhood education and care), as a policy measure to support equal employment opportunities for men and women.