The relevant legislative initiative has been registered in Parliament. The explanatory note to the project notes that Moldova has made significant progress in involving fathers in family life and child-rearing. Thus, the percentage of men who believe that household duties should be shared equally between partners increased from 30% in 2014 to 55% in 2024.
According to the national study “Families’ Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices in Early Child Care and Development” (2023), fathers’ involvement in parenting and childcare in Moldova is increasing, but still remains at a moderate level. More fathers are “actively involved in feeding, bathing, changing diapers, and walking with children compared to previous years.”
There has also been a significant increase in those who say fathers play with their children frequently. Fathers’ involvement in their children’s education has also increased, with the proportion of those who are actively involved in their children’s upbringing and education rising from 55% in 2014 to 68% in 2024. The number of fathers staying at home to care for their child during illness has doubled over the past decade, from 15% in 2014 to 33% in 2024.This trend indicates a move towards more responsible and active fatherhood.
At the same time, as the authors of the initiative note, the decree on memorial, holiday and weekend days includes such dates as International Women’s Day, Children’s Day and Family Day, but lacks a similar date dedicated to fathers.
An official day dedicated to fathers would provide a platform to recognize their contribution and promote public dialogue on the importance of equal partnership between parents.
It is also worth noting that Moldova does not have a separate date to celebrate Mother’s Day, as practiced in other countries, and March 8 is an international day of solidarity of women in the struggle for their rights.
