Encouragement for father figures
As Fathers Matter, we acknowledge the important impact that positive, present father figures play in young people's lives.
In South Africa, 70% of children grow up in homes without their biological fathers. There are many uncles, grandfathers, coaches, teachers and community leaders who step up as positive male role models for these children. At Fathers Matter, we call these men father figures or social fathers.
What are the different ways to be a father figure?
Here are some ways to be a social father to a child who is not yours biologically:
- Relative: An uncle, grandfather, older brother, cousin or other relative who is invested in the well-being of a child.
- Mentor: Be a positive role model and mentor to a child who may not have a father figure in their life.
- Family friend: Be a close family friend who provides support and guidance.
- Co-parent: Share parenting responsibilities with the child's biological parents.
- Community involvement: Volunteer or work with organisations that support children and families.
- Stepfather: Marry the child's mother and become their stepfather.
- Role model: Be a positive influence and role model in a child's life, even if not in a traditional fatherly role. These include coaches, teachers, pastors, youth workers, etc.
Stepping Up: Becoming a social father
Being a father figure to someone might seem challenging, but the bond that's formed between Luvuyo and Nkosinathi celebrates the difference a social father or mentor can make in a young person's life. Watch the trailer below of our documentary, Stepping Up, from the perspective of a young man, and the non-biological father who’s stepped up in his life.
Want to have a conversation about father figures?
If you’re keen to talk more about the role social fathers or father figures can play, watch the full video in your sports team, small group, youth club or in your organisation. Then have a conversation afterwards.
It takes a village – and social fathers are here for the fatherless
Being a father figure is about carrying the "essence" of positive
fatherhood into all aspects of life. When men step up as positive role
models for children who aren't their biological kids, it reflects the
beauty of community.
For over 30 years, Heartlines’ Craig Bouchier has been a fully committed father figure, mobilising community fathers to co-create safe spaces.
TIPS
We’ve put together some tip sheets:
- For men with advice on how to be a positive, present male role model for children.
- For young people to know what to expect and how to stay safe in their relationships with father figures.
Learn more about father figures in the context of South Africa
Supporting and prioritising social fathers
In this podcast Michelle Constant chats to the founder and CEO of Father A Nation, Craig Wilkinson, about the impact of social fathers in society.
Read more
Step into the gap
The absence of fathersin South Africa is a critical epidemic. The number of children growing up without a biological father in their lives is among the highest in the world and has severe and far-reaching ramifications.
Read more about Step into the gap
Unpacking the role and importance of social fathers
In this podcast Clement Manyathela talks to the director of Isiseko Imara, George Mwaura, about the role and importance of social fathers.
Read more about Unpacking the role and importance of social fathers
The role of social fathers
George Mwaura says that without present and supportive fathers, substance abuse, teenage pregnancy and gender-based violence worsen. Here, he gives four tips on how one can become a social father.
Read more about The role of social fathers
Social fathers: Who they are, why they matter, and how to become one
George Mwaura says that being a social father is about intentionally and consistently playing a fathering role in a child's life. Here, he writes about who social fathers are, their importance and how you can become one.
Read more about Social fathers: Who they are, why they matter, and how to become oneOther helpful organisations to know about
At Fathers Matter, we know that we can't do it all, and we love getting to collaborate with other organisations that promote postive fatherhood. Click 'Read more' to learn about some of the other great organisations helping to connect children with positive male role models.