Home Fathers Matter
What if we could halve father absence in a generation?
When fathers and father figures are present and positively engaged, children thrive – academically, financially, physically and emotionally – and are less likely to face mental health challenges, addiction and violence.
Heartlines Fathers Matter encourages the active, positive presence of fathers and father figures. It is the largest campaign of its kind in Africa.
Fathers Matter can be used in many different contexts to help people understand WHY fathers matter and how they can be part of changing the story of fatherhood in South Africa.
For Women
Women’s voices matter in the Fathers Matter conversation. Find out more.
Read more about thisFor Organisations
Get resources to help fathers in your organisation or community.
Read more about thisChanging lives, families and communities
Watch and read testimonies from people who've been impacted by Fathers Matter.
Watch the trailer for the Fathers Matter films
Stories
Why do women matter in a conversation about fathers?
Women's experiences of fatherhood shape how we see ourselves, and our place in the world. And as women, young or old, we owe it to ourselves to begin the work of coming to terms with our own father story and how it’s impacted who we are today.
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My father's love language
As we think about our father stories, it can help to remember that fathers are people, just like us. And sometimes, connection grows from understanding how they give and receive love.
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I am a father: Reflections on fatherhood, legacy and presence
I owe my being to the love and bond with my children, the joys and challenges of raising them, the precious moments and shared experiences that define the essence of fatherhood.
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See the winning competition entries
See some of the winning entries from our Youth Month Competition. The competition was an opportunity for children to share their views about fatherhood. There were some powerful, inspiring and moving submissions.
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'I grew up without a father and I turned out fine'
We are very sure about fatherlessness, and that's a problem. Themba Dlamini shares how one radio conversation exposed a national blind spot about faterhood in South Africa.
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The measure of a man is not in his fists
In many communities, the dominant image of manhood remains physical – protect, provide, endure, fight. These instincts are not inherently wrong. But they are incomplete.
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