Op-Ed: What Does It Mean to Be a Feminist Dad?

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In many societies, men are still expected to embody toughness, emotional restraint, and financial provision.

They’re praised when they “help out” at home, while mothers are expected to do the caregiving by default. These ideas not only hurt women—they limit men too.

Feminist fatherhood challenges this model. It sees men not just as providers, but as caregivers, nurturers, and partners in emotional labor.

It embraces vulnerability, shared responsibility, and the idea that parenting isn’t a gendered job—it’s a human one.

Why This Matters for Gender Equality

We can’t talk about women’s liberation without talking about men’s participation in care work.

Globally, women still do four times more unpaid domestic labor than men (ILO, 2018).

This imbalance holds women back in the workplace, in politics, and in public life. When fathers step up at home—not just as helpers, but as equal partners—it opens the door for women to pursue their ambitions, rest, and recover from invisible labor.

Feminist fatherhood also sets a powerful example for children. Kids who grow up seeing their father cook, clean, change diapers, and talk about emotions are more likely to carry those values forward. They learn that care isn’t weak, and strength isn’t cold.

Deconstructing the “Provider” Myth

Traditional Father’s Day narratives often reduce men to their paychecks. While providing financially is important, the pressure to be the breadwinner can lead to stress, isolation, and even mental health struggles—especially in an economic world that’s increasingly unstable.

Feminism offers a more holistic view. It values men not for what they earn, but for how they show up: emotionally, practically, and with presence. Being a good father isn’t about salary or stoicism—it’s about connection, empathy, and accountability.

Inclusive Fatherhood: Beyond the Binary

We also need to expand our idea of who counts as a father.

Father’s Day can be painful or alienating for many—single mothers, queer parents, trans fathers, or those who’ve lost their dads or never had one. A feminist lens invites us to queer the narrative of fatherhood, honoring all caregivers who take on paternal roles, regardless of biology or gender.

This means making space in our cultural conversations for adoptive dads, stepfathers, two-dad households, and non-binary parents who father in their own way.

Final Thoughts:

Father’s Day doesn’t need to be scrapped—it needs to be reclaimed. In a feminist future, fatherhood is not about outdated roles or performative toughness. It’s about being fully human.

Let’s celebrate the fathers who are doing the hard, beautiful, quiet work of showing up—with patience, softness, and strength redefined. Let’s celebrate not just who they are, but what they help make possible in the fight for gender justice.