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Children need guidance, emotional connection from their dads

Many children describe a "good father" as an involved parent who also meets their basic needs and not someone who provides them with luxuries.

Children's perspectives on fatherhood revealed in impactful report

This timely research delves into how children aged 10 to 16 view their fathers' roles in their lives, particularly against the backdrop of the upcoming 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.

What kids long for in a dad

Study shows that the absence of positive fathering is damaging for children.

Amplifying children's unfiltered perspectives on fatherhood

Heartlines' new research shows that while children see a father’s role as being a provider, they also long for emotional connection.

Present dads key for children's future

The Fathers Matter research report focuses on children’s experiences, observations, and perspectives regarding fatherhood, gender roles and identities, masculinities, and violence. The report gives a voice to those directly affected by these issues.

World Children’s Day: What South African children long for in fathers

Livhuwani Maphorogo, research manager at Heartlines, shares what children long for in fathers, for World Children’s Day.

Heartlines’ Fathers Matter initiative aims to amplify young voices on fatherhood

Through the voices of youth, Heartlines Fathers Matter seeks to promote healthier relationships between fathers and their children, providing insights that will shape future educational resources and media.

Dad, be there for your kid

For most children, their fathers have not been as involved in child raising as mothers have – especially not in the early years.

Step into the gap

The absence of fathersin South Africa is a critical epidemic. The number of children growing up without a biological father in their lives is among the highest in the world and has severe and far-reaching ramifications.

George Mwaura says that without present and supportive fathers, substance abuse, teenage pregnancy and gender-based violence worsen. Here, he gives four tips on how one can become a social father.

George Mwaura says that being a social father is about intentionally and consistently playing a fathering role in a child's life. Here, he writes about who social fathers are, their importance and how you can become one.

Absent fathers, crime and stigma of being a single father

Gosiame Masike, who’s a single father raising a daughter and the head of Heartlines’ Correctional Services, says that communities should be careful about ostracising and alienating single fathers, adding that fathers, too, need support.

Fathers Matter