Moldova: Fathers' Day boosts equality in family life
Starting this year, the Republic of Moldova will officially mark National Fathers' Day on the last Sunday of June.
Parliament adopted a resolution to this effect on Thursday, with 70 deputies voting in favor. The initiative aims to promote active and equal involvement of fathers in family life and recognize their role in children's development.
The first event dedicated to this celebration will take place on Sunday, June 29, in the Parliament Square, between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM, under the theme "Active Fathers – Equal Partners in Raising Children." The program will include recreational activities, music, games for children, and interactive segments designed to highlight fathers' contributions within the family. The event is organized in partnership with UN agencies in Moldova – UNFPA, UN Women, UNICEF, and ILO – as well as the Child Rights Information and Documentation Center and the National Confederation of Trade Unions.
Parliament's Vice-President, Doina Gherman, reiterated during the plenary session the symbolic and social importance of this initiative: "In the Republic of Moldova, fathers' involvement has significantly increased over the last decade. For comparison, in 2024, 68% of fathers actively participated in their children's education, compared to 55% in 2014. Also, the percentage of fathers who equitably share household chores has risen from 30% in 2014 to 55% in 2024. These trends clearly reflect a shift towards more responsible fatherhood and a visibly more equitable distribution of family roles."
Doina Gherman also noted that establishing this day aims to combat stereotypes regarding the exclusively female role in childcare:
"This day will be more than a symbolic celebration; it will be an educational and public policy instrument supporting a more equitable and harmonious society. Thus, central and local public administration authorities will be encouraged to support the marking of this day through symbolic actions, information campaigns, public awareness initiatives, and cultural and socio-educational events. This should not generate significant administrative or financial costs," said the Parliament's Vice-President.
In turn, PAS deputy Victor Spînu stated that the proposal to establish National Fathers' Day is more than a symbolic gesture.
"It's a clear signal. Fathers matter. I hope that in our society, the idea that fathers are not just episodic presences in children's lives, at school plays, or authoritarian figures perpetually busy with other matters, will spread. The modern father is a support, a guide, a role model, and, if needed, the best scrambled egg chef in the house. For years, we've talked about child protection, mothers' rights, and family balance. Now, it's time to recognize. Fathers also play an essential role in a child's emotional, educational, and moral development. Establishing a Fathers' Day means more than just a date on the calendar," declared PAS deputy Victor Spînu.
Statistical data indicates that significant progress has been made in the Republic of Moldova over the past ten years regarding fathers' involvement in family life. The percentage of those actively participating in raising and educating children increased from 55% in 2014 to 68% in 2024. Likewise, the percentage of men who believe household chores should be shared equitably grew from 30% to 55%, and the number of fathers caring for sick children doubled in the last decade, reaching 33%.
The adoption of this resolution aligns the Republic of Moldova with international standards regarding gender equality, children's rights, and commitments made within national strategies for social inclusion.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
