How to foster a culture of fatherhood where more men and fathers are increasingly engaged in caring for their children from a young age?
 

This was the question at the heart of a compelling panel discussion hosted by ISSA’s Program Manager, Ayça Alaylı, who also authored the Compendium of Good and Promising Practices that was shared for the first time at this webinar. The event brought together leading experts, practitioners, and researchers to discuss best practices, share insights, and highlight promising approaches to engaging men in nurturing care.
 

🎥 Watch the event recording here.
📖 Read the Compendium of Good and Promising Practices here.
 

The panel featured Ergin Dikme from ISSA Member ACEV, a Father Support Program trainer and field supervisor working directly with fathers in Turkey to promote democratic parenting values; Angela Giusti, a senior researcher at the Italian National Institute of Health, who focuses on integrating fatherhood and responsive caregiving into professional training; and Tatiana Moura, a principal researcher at CES and the Observatory of Masculinities, analyzing the intersection of gender, fatherhood, and social change.

At the start of the session, Ergin shared a powerful video showcasing fathers participating in a fatherhood program. The footage captured fathers playing games, bonding with their children, and even putting on a recital, culminating in a touching moment where fathers received certificates presented by their own children. It was a vivid reminder of the impact of such programs and the deep connections they foster. As Ergin noted, “We all have a duty to create a safer and happier world for our children.”

Changing systems starts with changing mindsets

The discussion emphasized that fostering father engagement requires more than just providing information—it demands a fundamental shift in attitudes – by all of us.

Angela highlighted the importance of self-awareness among professionals working with families. Biases, even subtle ones, can shape how caregiving roles are perceived. She described a training exercise where professionals were shown images of different caregivers dressing children. Mothers were assumed to do it “correctly,” while fathers were often depicted as making mistakes. “How can we expect men to take on caregiving roles if we don’t trust them to do it right?” she asked.

Tatiana expanded on this, pointing to the broader social and political landscape. “We cannot disconnect our work from political realities. We need to focus on reaching the next generation, especially boys.” Promoting caring masculinities and fostering a warm society are crucial for reshaping cultural norms. Efforts to engage fathers in caregiving must be integrated into broader gender equity and social justice initiatives to ensure lasting change.

Sustaining fatherhood programs: from participation to policy

While programs promoting father engagement have been successful, one of the most pressing questions from the audience was about sustainability: How do we keep fathers engaged in these programs long-term?

Tatiana and Angela both emphasized the importance of institutionalizing fatherhood programs by partnering with governments early on. In Italy, Angela shared how they successfully integrated fatherhood and responsive caregiving training into university curricula for medical and nursing students. “If we embed it into the system, it becomes sustainable.”

Ergin offered a different perspective, rooted in experience from the field. He explained how maintaining one-on-one relationships with fathers is crucial, as is making sessions fun, interactive, and deeply personal. His program includes weekly check-ins, family-inclusive sessions, and even activities like picnics to foster camaraderie. “Fathers stay when they feel seen, supported, and connected.”

Scaling and expanding impact

The audience raised critical questions about expanding these programs and ensuring that more fathers benefit from them. One concern was the challenge of sustainability when external funding ends. Tatiana stressed the importance of integrating fatherhood programs into public health and social services early on, so that governments can take over once initial funding expires. “If ministries of health and education adopt these trainings, they become part of the system rather than dependent on project funding.”

Angela emphasized that mindset shifts must start with professionals. She highlighted efforts in Italy to make fatherhood training mandatory in medical schools and public health institutions. “If we change how future doctors, nurses, and educators think about fatherhood, we create long-term cultural change.”

Another challenge discussed was recruiting fathers, particularly in contexts where caregiving is still largely seen as a female domain. Ergin shared that the key is to create spaces where men feel comfortable. The most successful programs, he explained, are those that are structured around relationship-building, community engagement, and fun activities that make fathers feel valued rather than judged.

A further question from the audience asked how to reach men who are not already involved in these conversations. Angela stressed the importance of starting early—ideally from pregnancy. “We tend to think about fatherhood when we have a child, but science tells us that we need to start earlier.” Research shows that men’s brains undergo neurobiological changes when they engage in caregiving, with increases in oxytocin and amygdala growth starting from pregnancy and childbirth. “Being in a caring relationship makes you more caring and changes your brain,” Angela explained. Providing opportunities for fathers to be involved early on can help normalize and strengthen their caregiving role.

Driving change: A compendium of good and promising practices

The event also marked the launch of a new compendium on good and promising practices in engaging fathers in caregiving. This resource provides a comprehensive overview of fatherhood and parenting programs, showcasing effective models that promote equitable parenting, challenge stereotypes, and support men in their caregiving journey.

More than just a collection of case studies, the compendium serves as a roadmap for policymakers, practitioners, and organizations looking to expand fatherhood programs. It highlights the importance of evidence-based approaches, community-driven initiatives, and cross-sector collaborations. By documenting what works, the compendium aims to inspire further research, funding, and policy shifts that make father engagement the norm rather than the exception. Download the compendium here.

A shared commitment for the future

The discussion underscored a powerful reality: Engaging fathers in caregiving is not just about benefiting individual families—it’s about transforming society. Sustainable, evidence-based fatherhood programs must be embedded in policies, institutions, and community initiatives to ensure lasting impact.

The work continues, fueled by collective dedication and the unwavering belief that engaged fathers make for stronger families, healthier children, and a more just world. As Ayça emphasized, ensuring young children receive responsive care from both parents is not just an aspiration—it’s a necessity. Promoting caring masculinities, warm societies, and responsive caregiving is key to achieving this vision. The road ahead requires commitment, collaboration, and a shift in mindsets, but the momentum is undeniable.

Watch the event recording here: