Men Engagement

Men Engagement

Men Engagement

To contribute towards the prevention of violence against women takes more than simply being a non-violent man. It requires a complete understanding of the factors that contribute to violence directed toward women. As a result, it is imperative to change, and adopt updated beliefs and attitudes in order to align behavior with the ongoing effort to eliminate violence.

Fatherhood serves such a purpose. A responsible father is not only non-violent but also dedicated to ending violence against women. Fathers are in a prime position to react to issues of masculinity and gender discrimination because of their close relationships with their wives and children. Nonviolent people can do much more than be nonviolent; they can effectively prevent violence.

Generations ago, we thought every father to be a ‘traditional model’ father- their work was to work outside their homes and to be a reliable economic provider by being a ‘breadwinner’ for the entire family. It was not expected of them to contribute more than just a minimal amount of work. With the evolving concept of ‘fatherhood’, this notion was shattered. Men are responsible along with women for bringing up and nurturing children. For the past 30 years, this concept of ‘fatherhood’ has been receiving much attention with revelations that dads occupy a major role in parenting and also in ending gender-based violence.
It has been shown that fathers who are involved in the lives of their children have the ability to make them understand the importance of healthy and equality-based relationships. It can be rightly said that fathering is one of the most effective catalysts for ending gender-based violence. Fatherhood can also be a transformational experience for role models who grew up without such role models in their childhood.

Such a shift and transformation of fatherhood is a positive impact of feminism. As women have begun working outside the home, they also expect their male counterparts to do their share of domestic work and childcare. Changing that perspective is not just relevant for children, but also for women. Keeping in mind the development and upbringing of their children can be a powerful motivator for men who engage in violence, for them to stop it. It is widely regarded as a long-term solution to ending violence.
We will be able to witness less violence in society as more men focus on caregiving, nurturing, and making efforts to bring up their kids as better human beings. It will ultimately result in less violence against children, less violence against women and less violence against other men.

Many studies have clearly shown that children of involved fathers are more likely to demonstrate more cognitive competence on standardized intellectual assessments (Lamb 1987; Radin 1994) and have higher IQ’s (Gottfried et al., 1988; Honzik, 1967; Radin 1972; Shinn, 1978).
Furthermore, children of involved fathers are more likely to enjoy school (National Center for Education Statistics, 1997), have positive attitudes toward school (Flouri, Buchanan, & Bream, 2002; Flouri, 2005), participate in extracurricular activities, and graduate. They are also less likely to fail a grade, have poor attendance, be suspended or expelled, or have behaviour problems at school.

Children of involved fathers are more likely to have higher levels of economic and educational achievement, career success, occupational competency, better educational outcomes, higher educational expectations, higher educational attainment, and psychological well-being.
Children of involved fathers are more likely to demonstrate a superior tolerance for stress and frustration (Mischel, Shoda, & Peake, 1988), have superior problem solving and adaptive skills (Biller, 1993), be more playful, resourceful, skilful, and attentive when presented with a problem (Mischel et al., 1988), and are better able to manage their emotions and impulses in an appropriate manner. Father involvement contributes significantly and independently to adolescent happiness (Flouri & Buchanan, 2003a).

If we consider all such facts from a biological perspective, we would be rather surprised to find that even biology supports effective parenting. Hormonal studies have revealed that dads show increased levels of oxytocin during the first weeks of their babies’ lives. This hormone, sometimes called the “love hormone,” increases feelings of bonding among groups. Dads get an oxytocin boost by playing with their babies, according to a 2010 study published in the journal Biological Psychiatry.

Fatherhood also leads to declines in testosterone, the “macho” hormone associated with aggressive behaviour.
All in all, it can be said that,
Involved dads = Successful children