The Fathers' Club is more than just a meeting place for many—it’s a community offering emotional support, resources, and a fresh perspective on fatherhood. Through personal experiences and inspiring stories, fathers learn to overcome fears, support their children during challenging times, and promote equality within their families in a society where active father involvement is essential for children’s harmonious growth.
Mihai, a participant in the Fathers' Club, recalls how his world changed in an instant...
*"When I became deputy director at the theater, I thought I had established a solid career. But the news that our youngest daughter had been diagnosed with autism turned our world upside down. Autism was a term we were unfamiliar with, and the reality we faced felt overwhelming.
ABA therapy for our daughter was indispensable but extremely costly. My salary couldn’t even begin to cover the necessary expenses, forcing us to completely rethink our lives. My wife decided to return to work, and I gave up major projects to spend more time with our daughter. It was a transformative moment, not only for our family life but also for how I viewed my role as a father and partner.
When I heard about the Fathers' Club, I felt it might provide the support and understanding I desperately needed. I wanted to learn how to be a better father in such a complex situation. Initially, I was skeptical—what could a club like this really offer me? But from the very first workshops, I realized I wasn’t alone. I met other fathers going through similar experiences, and sharing our fears, challenges, and hopes became a source of comfort."*
A poignant moment for Mihai was hearing the story of another father in the club with a 30-year-old son diagnosed with autism. The father’s words—"At first, we didn’t know what to expect. But we’ve learned to live with it"—gave him a new perspective. Mihai began to think not only about his daughter’s current challenges but also about her future and what he could do now to give her the best chances.
“Life with a child with autism doesn’t offer quick solutions; it’s a continuous process of adaptation. At the Fathers' Club, I learned there are no simple answers and that each story is unique. Here, I found a space to discuss how to support our children’s development, manage their behaviors, and navigate challenges like technology use. Each conversation was a step forward, and the mutual support taught us how to be there for our children in their times of need."
The Fathers' Club is not just a meeting place—it’s a community, a space where every story matters. It’s a reminder that change begins with us, the fathers, and that our involvement can break gender stereotypes. Each small step we take together contributes to a better life for our children and families.
Today, Mihai knows he’s not alone. Together, fathers learn to face challenges and accept that by supporting one another, they can overcome any stereotype.
#FathersClub offers a space where fathers and future fathers receive resources and support to actively participate not only in raising and educating their children but also in sharing household responsibilities, promoting equality in the family, and preventing violence. Fathers' Clubs are organized in Fălești, Ștefan Vodă, Ialoveni, Căușeni, and Chișinău.
The Fathers' Club is part of the regional program "EU4GenderEquality: Together Against Gender Stereotypes and Gender-Based Violence," funded by the European Union and implemented by UNFPA and UN Women, with the support of CIDDC.
