A key element of this approach is that engaged fatherhood not only benefits children but also directly contributes to reducing the burden of unpaid care work carried by women. This creates greater opportunities for women to participate in the labour market, continue their education, advance their careers, and dedicate more time to their own health and well-being. In this way, fathers' active involvement becomes a key driver of stronger families and women's economic empowerment.

To mark the second National Father's Day, the event "Where There Are Two, Strength Grows. With Engaged Fathers, Moldova Thrives" was held in Ialoveni. It was organized by the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova, the National Agency for the Prevention and Combating of Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (ANPCV), and the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, in partnership with UNFPA, UN Women and UNICEF, with financial support from the European Union and the Government of the United Kingdom.

The event brought together fathers, mothers, children and grandparents for a day of interactive activities for the whole family, including a Fathers' Club workshop under the #EU4GenderEquality programme, discussions with special guests, and activities promoting engaged fatherhood and equal partnership within the family.

On the same day, UNFPA, with financial support from the Government of the United Kingdom, also joined the fourth edition of the My Birth event, dedicated to promoting respectful childbirth, providing expectant parents with essential information, and celebrating parenthood from the very beginning of a child's life.

In the Republic of Moldova, this positive change is already visible. Today, nearly seven in ten fathers are actively involved in raising and caring for their children, compared with just over half a decade ago. More and more men are accompanying their partners throughout pregnancy, sharing caregiving responsibilities, and choosing to be actively present in their children's lives. This progress reflects the joint efforts of public authorities, civil society, the private sector, and development partners.

Neli Lelenco, Deputy Director General of the National Agency for the Prevention and Combating of Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (ANPCV):

"Father's Day is an opportunity to recognize the essential role fathers play in raising and nurturing their children. A father who is involved, present, and caring helps build a family founded on respect, trust, and safety. Strong families are the foundation of a society free from violence, where women and men enjoy equal rights, opportunities, and possibilities."

Through Fathers' Clubs, family-friendly workplace initiatives, social norms change campaigns, and programmes that encourage men's engagement from pregnancy onwards, UNFPA and its partners are helping build a society where childcare and caregiving are shared responsibilities.

Karina Nersesyan, UNFPA Representative in the Republic of Moldova, said:

"Engaged fatherhood is a powerful driver of gender equality and sustainable development. Every father who reads a story to his child, takes part in daily caregiving, supports his partner, or takes paternity leave contributes not only to the well-being of his own family, but also to building a more equal and prosperous society."

Máté Csicsai, Head of Political, Press and Information, the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova, mentioned: 

"The European Union supports Moldova’s efforts to promote gender equality, prevent violence and protect children. In this effort, involved fathers have a powerful role to play. By sharing care responsibilities, teaching respect and showing that violence has no place in the home, fathers help build stronger families, safer communities and a more equal society."

Robert Easton, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in Chișinău, said:

"The United Kingdom, in partnership with UNFPA and the authorities of the Republic of Moldova, is committed to advancing gender equality and promoting a culture in which childcare and caregiving are shared responsibilities."

UNFPA reaffirms its commitment to working closely with the Government and its partners to expand policies and services that support engaged fatherhood and advance gender equality. Because when fathers are actively involved, children thrive, families grow stronger, and Moldova builds a more prosperous future.