Stories
Creating safe spaces for men to share and learn
Creating spaces for men to share and learn together is an important part of Fathers Matter's work. The first Fathers Matter Ambassadors Conference was a meaningful moment for men to experience just this.
How to understand your journey as a survivor of abuse
Even though Martin had the house, wife and child he'd always wanted, he lived with the fear of perpetuating the same violence he experienced growing up, because “society” had programmed him to think that victims are doomed to repeat the same violence they experience.
Read more about How to understand your journey as a survivor of abuseFighting GBV: More fences, fewer ambulances
The scourge of gender-based violence continues unabated. And while there are interventions, many of them focus on providing assistance after the fact, rather than addressing root causes.
Read more about Fighting GBV: More fences, fewer ambulancesHitting the road with purpose
Watch the story of how a biking club in Soweto is encouraging men to show up and share their lives and passions (including biking) with their children.
Heartlines Fathers Matter Ambassadors Conference
The Heartlines Fathers Matter Conference took place in October 2023
at the Good News Convention Center in Muldersdrift. People from different walks
of life came together to discuss and unpack an issue many grapple with:
fatherlessness.
A dad’s greatest influence and responsibility is in their home
It’s not in the boardroom, at the office or on the sports field where a father matters most, but right at home, says Zane Meas.
Read more about A dad’s greatest influence and responsibility is in their homeSport and life come together at Stellenbosch FC
Watch the highlights of Fathers Matter's work with PSL team Stellenbosch FC.
Read more about Sport and life come together at Stellenbosch FCWe want men to have a positive impact in children's lives
For boys who are growing up without their fathers around, male mentorship gives them important support and positive role models.
Read more about We want men to have a positive impact in children's livesPassing down biking passion to the next generation
Ahead of Father’s Day on 18 June, Heartlines partnered up with the Ride with a Boy Child initiative, hosted by the Greater Soweto Bikers, to support fathers and bikers who want to be more actively involved in their sons’ lives.
Read more about Passing down biking passion to the next generationA happy Father’s Day for the dads of Alex
Making safe spaces for fathers and their children to spend time together in celebration of Father's Day.
Fathers can be great caregivers
Old ideas about what a father should be and do are changing. It’s important to start having important conversations about how fathers can be present and contribute more to their children’s lives than just money.
Read more about Fathers can be great caregiversPapa do my hair
Is haircare a woman's job? Mahlatse Mashua doesn't think so. When his daughter asked him to do her hair while his wife was away, he realised he needed to learn some practical skills.