June 21 is marked as Father’s Day in Georgia, a date celebrated in the country since 2016 following an initiative by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) under the MenCare campaign, aimed at promoting the role of fathers in children’s lives.
This year’s celebrations introduce a new initiative titled “League of Fathers”, developed in cooperation with Mziuri Cafe and supported by the European Union. The project aims to turn everyday gatherings of fathers in parks into a shared space for exchanging experiences, emotions, and ideas about parenthood.
Organisers say the initiative seeks to support both new and experienced fathers through informal weekly summer meetings at Mziuri Cafe, focused on emotional, practical, and social aspects of fatherhood.
“Fatherhood is the hardest game. Your main tools here are patience, care, sense of humor and sometimes a pacifier or bottle that decides the fate of the whole day,” the initiative description reads.
The latest UN research cited by organisers shows that 81% of respondents consider fatherhood the most important role in a man’s life.
The “League of Fathers” is also designed to reflect changing attitudes toward parenting and promote more equal involvement between parents in childcare.
At the first meeting, organisers will present Alex Chigvinadze’s book The Birth of a Father: A Book for New Fathers, illustrated by Ana Janelidze. The book, published in cooperation with Palitra L and supported by the European Union, guides new fathers through the stages of parenthood from pregnancy to the early years of a child’s life.
The initiative encourages fathers to take part in everyday activities with their children, including reading, playing, dancing, and spending more time together.
Father’s Day events are implemented with support from the European Union under the programmes “EU for Gender Equality: Together to Overcome Gender Stereotypes and Gender-Based Violence” and “Gender Equality for Georgia”.
