What does it take for fathers to play an active role in their child’s early years? Are today’s policies doing enough to support them—or do they fall short? On November 21, 2024, a dynamic panel brought together leading voices to explore these pressing questions under the theme, Policy Matters in Engaging Fathers in Child’s Early Years: Moving Beyond the EU Work-Life Balance Directive. 

Hosted as part of the 4E-PARENT project, the discussion was a deep dive into the evolving landscape of parental leave policies and their real-world impact on families, workplaces, and societies. From thought-provoking research to on-the-ground realities, the session aimed to spark important ideas for consideration to bring about real change. 

Highlights from the Panel

How much Is enough? What does the research say about the ideal duration and compensation of paternal leave, touching on how these factors shape a father’s decision to take leave. Margaret O’Brien noted that well-paid, non-transferable leave entitlements remain key drivers of uptake, as evidenced by the Norwegian model of a "father’s quota." 

The Italian experience Annina Lubbock presented the case of Italy, where paternity leave stands at 10 days, mostly used by fathers residing in the north with stable contracts in larger companies. However, significant regional disparities persist, with uptake much lower in the South. The discussion highlighted the need for policies to be more accessible and equitable across diverse contexts. 

A more holistic, integrated approach to the issue Martino Serapioni focused on the need to move beyond the siloed policy approaches, highlighting the importance of fostering collaboration across various frameworks, including aligning parental leave policies with ECEC services. He also emphasized the role ECEC services and professionals can play in involving fathers more actively in caregiving. 

The Workplace Factor Maddalena Cannito shared new research from Northern Italy, offering a stark view of workplace realities. Interviews with employees and HR managers revealed that increasing workplace demands often tip the scales of work-life balance, leaving fathers hesitant to take leave. Panelists explored how corporate policies and leadership attitudes can either encourage or inhibit paternal engagement. 

Beyond the Numbers The discussion delved into the deeper, often-overlooked dimensions of paternal leave. How do we create cultural shifts that not only encourage fathers to take their leave but also support meaningful caregiving during that time? Panelists urged attendees to consider the broader societal benefits of fathers’ early engagement in caregiving, from gender equality to improved child outcomes. 

Future Directions While much of the discussion focused on current challenges, the panel also offered pathways forward. Suggestions ranged from increasing awareness through campaigns to implementing tax incentives for companies that promote equal caregiving. The importance of improving data  and monitoring systems on leave uptake and its impacts was also emphasized as a critical step for policymakers. 

A Call to Action 

This roundtable was more than just a conversation—it was a call to rethink how we support fathers in their caregiving journeys. Watch the full webinar to hear from Margaret O'Brien, Martino Serapioni, Maddalena Cannito, Giorgio Tamburlini, Annina Lubbock, and Ayça Alaylı as they challenge us to envision a more inclusive and equitable future for families. 

Link to recording coming soon!

Panelists:

• Margaret O'Brien -  Professor Emeritus of Child and Family Policy at University College London & International Network on Leave Policies & Research 
• Martino Serapioni - Senior Research Programme Coordinator European Observatory on Family Policy, CO-FACE Families Europe  
• Maddalena Cannito  - University of Turin 
• Giorgio Tamburlini - Leader 4E-PARENT Project, Centro per la Salute del Bambino (CSB) 
• Annina Lubbock – 4EPARENT Project, Centro per la Salute del Bambino (CSB) 
• Mihaela Ionescu – Program Director, International Step by Step Association (ISSA)
• Ayca Alayli - Junior Program Manager, International Step by Step Association (ISSA) 

🎥 Watch the recording, here.