How supporting dads can help to achieve gender equality

Gender equality has been a topic of discussion for decades, and while progress has been made, there is still a long way to go. One key aspect of achieving gender equality is by supporting fathers and their involvement in parenting.

The Role of Fathers in Gender Equality

Fathers have traditionally played a limited role in parenting, with mothers taking on the majority of the responsibilities. This has contributed to gender inequalities in the workplace, as women are often seen as the primary caregiver and may be penalised for taking time off for family responsibilities. By supporting fathers in taking an active role in parenting, we can challenge these traditional gender roles and promote equality in both the home and the workplace.

Supporting Dads: The Benefits

When dads are supported in their parenting roles, they can have a significant impact on their children's lives. Research has shown that children with involved fathers have better outcomes in terms of academic achievement, social skills, and mental health. Fathers who are actively involved in their children's lives also have a stronger relationship with their children, which can benefit the whole family.

Supporting dads can also have a positive impact on mothers. When fathers are more involved in parenting, mothers have more time to pursue their own interests, including their careers. This can help to break down traditional gender roles, where women are expected to prioritise family responsibilities over their own goals and ambitions.

Supporting Dads: The Challenges

Despite the benefits of supporting dads in their parenting roles, there are still challenges that need to be overcome. One of the biggest challenges is the social stigma surrounding fathers who take on a more active role in parenting. Fathers who take paternity leave or who are the primary caregiver for their children may face negative attitudes from their colleagues and society at large.

Another challenge is the lack of support and resources for fathers who want to take a more active role in parenting. Many workplaces do not offer parental leave or flexible work arrangements, which can make it difficult for fathers to balance their work and family responsibilities. There is also a lack of support groups and resources specifically for fathers, which can make it difficult for them to connect with other dads who are going through similar experiences.

The Benefits for Dads

There are many benefits to supporting dads. When dads are supported, they are more likely to be:

Less stressed.

•  Parenting can be stressful, and dads who feel supported are better able to cope with the challenges.

Happier.

•  Dads who are involved in their children's lives and feel supported are more likely to be happy.

More productive.

•  Dads who are happy and less stressed are more likely to be productive at work.

Better fathers.

•  Dads who are supported are more likely to be involved in their children's lives and to be good role models.

Moving the Dial on Gender Equality

To move the dial on gender equality, we need to support dads in their parenting roles. This means challenging traditional gender roles and expectations, and providing resources and support for fathers who want to take an active role in parenting.

Workplaces can play a key role in supporting dads by offering parental leave and flexible work arrangements. This can help fathers to balance their work and family responsibilities and can promote a culture of equality in the workplace.

We also need to challenge the social stigma surrounding fathers who take on a more active role in parenting. This means promoting positive attitudes towards involved fathers and celebrating their contributions to their families.

What employers can do:

Offer paid parental leave to all employees, regardless of gender.

•  The UK government currently offers 2 weeks of paid parental leave to fathers. Employers can go above and beyond this by offering more generous paid parental leave policies. This will allow dads to take time off work to bond with their new children and help to reduce the gender pay gap.

Provide flexible work arrangements for all employees, such as remote and hybrid.

• This will allow dads to balance their work and family responsibilities more easily. For example, dads could work from home on certain days or take a shorter lunch break to pick up their children from school.

Create a culture of inclusion and support for dads in the workplace.

• This means providing dads with resources and support, such as childcare options and mentorship programs. For example, an employer could offer a referral service for childcare providers or host a monthly dads' breakfast networking event.

Challenge traditional gender roles in the workplace.

• This means promoting men into traditionally female-dominated roles and women into traditionally male-dominated roles. For example, an employer could create a mentorship program for women in leadership roles or offer training on unconscious bias.

Speak out against sexism and gender discrimination in the workplace.

 

• This will create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all employees. For example, an employer could create a policy against harassment and discrimination and provide training on these issues.