MenCare Georgia: Emerging Europe’s equality-friendly initiative of the year

Emerging Europe published an article today in which author Shakhil Shah wrote about the MenCare initiative and its impact in Georgia.

 

The initiative aims to break the stereotype that the family, its health and well-being is a woman’s responsibility and to raise awareness about the importance of fatherhood and male involvement in family life.

 

Ninia Matcharashvili, coordinator of MenCare Georgia, told Emerging Europe that only five men have ever taken paternity leave in Georgia.

 

As the article reads, breaking down stereotypes is a huge challenge for MenCare, as it is not only about changing mindsets but also changing Georgian culture.

 

“But we can see visible changes,” says Matcharashvili. 

 

“If you go out to parks and recreational areas you will see many fathers pushing their children in strollers, playing with them, taking care of them. The discussion about male involvement has become part of ordinary daily discourse, taboos are being challenged and more men are admitting to the importance of their engagement. The media frequently invites MenCare and/or other representatives of civil society to discuss the matter and is dedicating more airtime to the issue.”

 

As the article says, serious challenges remain, however.

 

Read the full story here.