About the Engaging Men in Nurturing Care (EMiNC) Initiative

The Engaging Men in Nurturing Care (EMiNC) initiative is a multiyear project dedicated to promoting gender equity in caregiving. EMiNC seeks to create a nurturing environment where children thrive by advocating for equal respect and shared responsibilities among parents. Engaging men in caregiving benefits children, strengthens family bonds, supports mothers, and contributes positively to society and the economy. Through evidence building, strategic partnerships, and community engagement, EMiNC aims to influence parental leave policies that support gender-balanced caregiving. The initiative also trains early childhood practitioners in inclusive practices ensuring men play an active role in caregiving. EMiNC operates in three cities across Italy, Portugal, and Spain - in Naples, Coimbra, and Barcelona respectively - leveraging expertise from multiple fields. EMiNC envisions children growing up in a society where caregiving is a shared, valued, and respected responsibility for all.

To learn more about what we do, why, and how, who we are, and our value proposition, click here.

Country-specific contexts

Across the three country contexts, a common thread is the persistence of traditional gender norms that limit fathers’ roles in caregiving and the need for systemic and cultural shifts to foster greater engagement of men in nurturing care. By combining advocacy, capacity building, and storytelling, EMiNC aims to lay the foundation for a pan-European movement that reshapes how fathers, families, and society perceive and practice caregiving. At the same time, each country faces distinct challenges and opportunities that shape the focus and approach of their specific efforts.

Learn more about each country's specific context: Italy | Portugal | Spain

Resources

Check out all resources shared through the EMiNC initiative here.