Fathers From Telavi Join “MenCare” Campaign

A public book reading event will be held within the framework of the “MenCare” Georgia campaign: Mr. Karl Kulessa, UNFPA Representative in Turkey and the Country Director in Georgia and Mr. Alexandre Lortkipanidze, TV presenter and screenwriter will read stories to primary school students of Telavi Public School #1. The event participants will be welcomed by the Mayor of Telavi, Mr. Platon Kalmakhelidze. The event will be attended by Ms. Alanna Armitage, Regional Director, UNFPA Eastern Europe and Central Asia RO on her first official visit to Georgia.

Fathers of shoolchildren will participate in the event to highlight the importance of men’s care and equal sharing of family duties and to underscore that gender equality is an important issue not only for women, but also for men and for society at large.

The MenCare Georgia campaign was launched by UNFPA in partnership with the NGO (Non-Governmenttal Organization) 'We Care' in July, 2016 within the framework of the United Nations Joint Programme for Gender Equality funded by the Government of Sweden. The success of the campaign is largely determined by the fact that is has been designed based on evidence regarding the socio-cultural context of Georgia.

Male involvement is critical for the well-being of women, children, families and society at large. The research findings confirm that existing stereotypes and established clichés prevent men from taking responsibility and being caring fathers, husbands, partners and family members. It also suggests existence of strong social standards; based on the findings of the survey 'Men and Gender Relations in Georgia' conducted with UNFPA support in 2013, the share of men involved in daily activities, such as selecting reading books for their children, discussing their children’s progress and challenges with schoolteachers, helping their children with homework and washing their clothes, which currently does not exceed 5%.

MenCare Campaign aims at promoting men’s involvement as equitable, nonviolent fathers and caregivers in order to achieve better health and family well-being and to encourage men to support gender equality and thus contribute to the harmonious development of society. The MenCare campaign is open to all men, who share the aim and principles of the Campaign.