EDITORIAL

Fathers play important role

This weekend, we will take the opportunity to take a closer look at the role fathers play in the family. Historically, the role of the father in the family was to provide financial support since men were the main breadwinners, while the nurturing and care of the children was left to the mothers. This was the accepted societal role that each parent played and this traditionally-accepted behaviour was usually passed down from generation to generation.

However, with the increased demand for improved women’s rights in the last century, the female role drastically expanded. Men have had to cope with women who have, over time, become more independent in their own affairs, as well as within the household. They have also had to accept women usurping many of the traditionally male-dominated roles in the workplace, while still managing to fulfil their accustomed roles in the home.

Men also witnessed women improving themselves through education and building their status in society. The spotlight as a result, so often shone on the achievements of women, that it would seem as though women have somewhat overshadowed their male counterparts. Regrettably, some men have responded poorly to these changes, allowing themselves to be overpowered by the challenges. As a result, very often, fathers, and indeed men in general, are not always given the recognition and the respect that they deserve because these examples of failure have very often been exposed to public ridicule.

In the media recently, much focus has been placed on the troubles of men and fathers who are disadvantaged because of disagreements between them and the mothers of their children. Myriad cases have been exposed where it has been revealed that men who want to play a vibrant, hands-on role as fathers to their children are being denied the opportunity to do so by some uncaring, unscrupulous women. This is as unjust a situation as a mother being treated badly, and the time has long come for such instances to be treated as strongly by the law. The issue of DNA testing has also been placed squarely on the table, and measures need to be put in place to make sure that in appropriate scenarios, the significant cost is shared by both parties.

Admittedly, in our profession, outside of the recognition of Father’s Day, we have perhaps not done enough to highlight the fact that several young fathers, in particular, are rising to the occasion and showing interest in their children’s health, education and recreation. Married fathers and common law fathers are sharing the responsibility of running the household with women while maintaining pride of place as ‘head of the household’. Younger men are realising that there needs to be a balance between working hard all day and focusing on the paycheque and spending valuable time with the family. Little or no participation in the actual running of the household is no longer acceptable. Men are actively contributing through cooking, cleaning, and performing household chores.

In short, there are many men in Barbados who, despite the hue and cry about the shortcomings of their sex, have risen above these negative expressions of disapproval and have reaffirmed their place in the home and the society. They have adapted and welcomed the changing role of mothers and have, more often than not, observed the women’s success and subsequently used it as a platform to develop.

This weekend and beyond, let us acknowledge the progress that our men have made, and continue to make, to the benefit of our country and her children and let us continue to be proud of their successes.

With everyone’s full support, there are no limits to what our men can achieve as they fulfil their roles as business and religious leaders, law-makers, teachers, mentors, friends and, most importantly, fathers.

Barbados Advocate

Mailing Address:
Advocate Publishers (2000) Inc
Fontabelle, St. Michael, Barbados

Phone: (246) 467-2000
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