About
What if one simple activity could change the trajectory of South Africa – improving educational and economic outcomes, mental and physical health, while reducing alcohol and drug abuse, GBV and violence?
The evidence is overwhelming
When fathers and father figures are positively and actively present in children's lives, all of these outcomes improve.
Yet over 60% of South African children are growing up without their biological fathers — possibly the highest rate in the world, compared to a global average of 10–25%.
The Fathers Matter campaign an initiative of Heartlines, is changing this. It is the largest campaign of its kind in Africa.
Our goal is to reach 40 million people and impact 2 million through face-to-face programmes by 2030.
Why are fathers not present?
Our research shows most men want to be present. The barriers include:
- Knowledge – An estimated 20% of South Africans understand how vital fathers are to children's development. (This provides us a massive opportunity to change this!)
- Money – many men and women believe a man who can't provide shouldn't be present
- Skills – it's hard to father well if you were never fathered
- Societal norms – active parenting is still widely seen as "women's work
Our partners
Fathers Matter is made possible thanks to the support of our funders
Fathers Matter stakeholders
Fathers Matter is one of many organisations in South Africa working to change the narrative around fatherhood in South Africa. Part of our work includes strengthening networks of individuals and organisations in the sector to build and share knowledge and resources.
Get in touch if you’d like to partner with us or donate to our work.