Note to Correspondents

‘fathers and families:  responsibilities and challenges’ theme,

As international day of families observed

 

As part of the observance of the International Day of Families, a panel discussion on the issue of families and the challenges and responsibilities of fathers will take place from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Thursday, 15 May, in the Dag Hammarskjöld Library Auditorium at United Nations Headquarters.

“Fathers and Families:  Responsibilities and Challenges” is the theme of this year’s observance of the International Day.

The panellists are Joyce C. Kafanabo, Minister Plenipotentiary, Permanent Mission of the United Republic of Tanzania to the United Nations; Nurper Ulkuer, Senior Adviser and Chief, Early Childhood Development Unit, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF);and Anderson J. Franklin, Department of Counselling, Developmental and Educational Psychology, Boston College.  A video, “To Be a Father”, hosted by Ray Romano, will be screened at the beginning of the event.

The role and responsibilities of fathers are changing at the same time as families all over the world have been undergoing significant transformations.  As the importance of gender equality has been internationally recognized, a greater number of women, including mothers, are now participating in the labour market.  In many cultures, there begins to be an emphasis on the fathers as co-parents.

Traditionally, fathers exhibited a strong presence in family life, although not necessary through direct or sustained involvement in child-rearing.  Now, they are expected to go beyond their traditional responsibilities and role as moral teacher, disciplinarian and male role model.  Fathers are expected to be fully involved and actively participate in both the emotional and practical day-to-day aspects of child-rearing.

A greater involvement of father in rearing their children offers new opportunities to today’s families.  Yet, the challenges to fathers, to society and social policies are as strong as ever.

With growing divorce rates in developed countries and rising labour migration from developing countries, fathers may be absent, physically and/or emotionally.

The panellists will discuss the new responsibilities of fatherhood and its challenges, including the consequence of absentee fathers, as well as providing a supporting environment for fathers.

The International Day of Families is observed on 15 May every year.  Proclaimed by the General Assembly in its resolution 47/237 of 20 September 1993, this annual observance reflects the importance the international community attaches to families regarding their situation around the world.

The International Day provides an opportunity to promote awareness of issues relating to the family as the basic unit of society, as well as to promote appropriate action to recognize and promote the importance of families.

For further information, please visit http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/family.

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For information media • not an official record