“I think I am a normal father and a husband who is also involved in household chores. However, I realise that more is needed from me - as a family member, a husband, and a father - for this responsibility to be distributed more fairly” - says Archil Todua, 38, a participant in “Fathers’ School.”

Archil is the father of three. His eldest child is 12 years old; the middle child is 9, and the youngest is 3. According to him, there is no space in Zugdidi where fathers can share their experiences with one another. That is why he decided to come to the “Fathers’ School” in Batumi - to better understand the responsibilities of being a father and a husband.

“My eldest boy is already at an age where he is no longer a child - he will soon be a teenager - and I need to rethink many things. That is why I want to gain new knowledge and experience from others ” - says Archil.

The “Fathers’ School” is an initiative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), which since 2021 has brought together more than 200 men in Tbilisi and western Georgia around one main idea to become more caring fathers and actively participate in the daily lives of their children.

“Sometimes I think that something is right, that it is correct, but it may not be. I want to gain a new perspective that will be very useful for my children in the future and bring more novelty, joy, and happiness to the father–son relationship” - says Gocha Meladze, 45, another participant in the Batumi “Fathers’ School.”

Through his participation in the school, the father of three children aims to acquire new skills and further develop those he believes he already has:

“I am very close to my children. This is my deeply personal choice, something that comes from within. I advise all fathers to spend more time with their children, ask them more questions about their needs, feelings, and emotions. Hug their children often and tell them that they love them.”

According to the latest study "Men, Women and Gender Relations in Georgia (IMAGES)", 81% of men in Georgia believe that fatherhood is the most important role in a man’s life. Yet, daily childcare continues to fall largely on mothers.

Studies also confirm that one of the key prerequisites for harmonious family life is the equal involvement of mothers and fathers in the daily lives of children.

"I joined the school with great enthusiasm and interest, because I believe it is very important to share the experiences of fathers like me. I am learning positive parenting and trying to do everything so that my child becomes a good citizen. I invest a lot of time and effort in this” - notes Sulkhan Meskhidze from Batumi, who saw many similar challenges while listening to others’
stories.

Sulkhan, father of a six-year-old, has been actively involved in his child’s life since birth. However, he worries about the stereotype-filled environment in which the child is growing up.

“The school and kindergarten are full of stereotypes, which I don’t like - things like colors for girls and boys, or the idea that certain work is only for women and other work only for men. I don’t want my child to feel confused. I teach him to be civil and tolerant, but then he goes to school or kindergarten to face a very different reality. That worries me a lot” - he says.

Levan Kokaia, 40, the father of nine-year-old Elene and six-year-old Salome, attended the “Fathers’ School” in Tbilisi. Salome was diagnosed with autism spectrum traits a few years ago. It was at the “Fathers’ School” that Levan realized he was not alone in facing this challenge as a parent.

“The meetings were full of positive emotions. Of course, they make you reflect on many things - on how to become a more active father” - he says, adding that "the more time you devote to something - whether music, a field of science, or a person - the more you learn. Relationships with children work the same way.”

Levan also encourages other parents, despite the challenges, to manage their emotions - especially when they are alone - because their moods are passed on to their children and affect family harmony.

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This material is produced in the framework of the “EU 4 Gender Equality: Together against gender stereotypes and gender-based violence" programme (phase II), funded by the European Union, implemented jointly by UN Women and UNFPA. Its contents are the sole responsibility of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union