On May 14, Fathers’ School was reopened in Tbilisi, at Gagua Clinic, at the joint initiative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Georgia Country Office and the NGO “Care Together” as part of the Men Care Campaign.
Fathers’ School programme was first launched in 2021 in Tbilisi and Kutaisi. Men who are planning to become fathers in the near future, expectant fathers, or fathers of children under the age of three form the target audience of the programme.
The Fathers’ School programme aims to promote acquisition and utilization of the skills and behaviours among men, which will help them to become more engaged and caring fathers and partners. The Fathers’ School programme will also help men learn more about gender equality, as well as about stereotypes and harmful social norms that prevent them from achieving genuine equality.
The training course offered by Fathers’ School consists of eight 2-hour sessions. With the help of a specially designed module, fathers will be able to gain knowledge and information on important topics, such as:
• Choosing a right time to have a child;
• Supporting a partner during pregnancy and childbirth;
• Sharing household chores;
• Choosing methods of raising children;
• Protecting a child from violence;
• Maintaining healthy family relationships;
• Importance of equal partnership.
In addition, online meetings with specialists actively involved in the process of raising children are planned within the framework of the Fathers’ School programme. Fathers participating in the programme will have the opportunity to ask questions to paediatricians, gynaecologists, child psychologists, and other relevant specialists.
The benefits of fathers' active involvement in childcare and upbringing have been proven by numerous studies: the children are much happier, distinguished by physical and mental health, have high academic achievements, better social skills, higher self-esteem, less behavioural problems and increased stress resistance.
Fathers’ School was established within the framework of the “EU 4 Gender Equality: Together against gender stereotypes and gender-based violence" programme, jointly implemented by UNFPA and UN Women, with the support of the European Union.
The Programme seeks to tackle gender stereotypes and discriminatory norms, ensure equal rights and opportunities for women and men, and active involvement of men in the process of promoting gender equality.
