Why Fatherhood Matters & How Industry Can Support Working Dads

In today's evolving workforce, the role of fathers has taken on new significance, prompting discussions on the importance of gender equity and shared parenting responsibilities.

Elliott Rae the founder of the parenting platform MusicFootballFatherhood , advocates for men to "parent out loud" at work, addressing the challenges and opportunities that fathers face in achieving a more balanced and inclusive approach to parenting.

The Gender Pay Gap and the Impact on Gender Equity

Elliott Rae highlights a troubling fact - the gender pay gap for women aged 40 and over is three times higher than for their younger counterparts. This disparity is primarily attributed to career interruptions for maternity and childcare. To tackle this issue, Rae emphasises the significance of shared parental leave and its impact on gender equity.

Shared Parental Leave as a Solution

Rae calls upon employers to rethink their approach to supporting parents. He emphasises that younger men are increasingly making decisions based on flexibility and paternity leave when choosing employers. The stories he shared resonate deeply with many, who agree that fatherhood's importance must be integrated into the conversation about gender parity.

• Research from Sweden indicates that every additional month of paternity leave taken by fathers increases the mother's lifetime earnings by 6.7%
• Unfortunately, due to affordability, 22% of fathers in the UK take no paternity leave at all, impacting the overall goal of achieving gender equity.

Supporting Dads as Equal Parents

The importance of fathers being equal parents cannot be overstated. Encouraging fathers to learn how to parent independently, bond with their children, and work flexibly to share childcare responsibilities is crucial to achieving gender equity both in the workplace and at home.

Breaking Traditional Gender Roles

Elliott Rae 's platform, MusicFootballFatherhood, is dedicated to breaking down traditional gender roles and dispelling rigid and outdated notions of masculinity. He emphasises that men can be both breadwinners and caregivers, protectors and protected, leaders and followers. Supporting men through this transition is imperative, as it benefits not only women and children but also men themselves by enhancing their quality of life, mental health, relationships, and longevity.

The Challenge of the UK's Paternity Packages

Rae points out that the UK has one of the least generous paternity leave packages in Europe, with many fathers unable to afford taking leave. He also notes the lack of government measures to address these issues and improve eligibility for paternity leave.

The Missed Opportunity

The recent rejection of the Paternity Leave Act by the UK government is a disheartening setback in the fight for gender equality and balanced parenting. Despite research suggesting the economic benefits of equal parental leave, the government's response lacks measures to address the gender pay gap. Only around 70 organisations in the UK have adopted gender-neutral parental leave policies, leaving most families without the support they need.

Fatherhood matters, and achieving gender equity requires a collective effort from both individuals and organisations. The rejection of the Paternity Leave Act highlights the need for continued advocacy and a commitment to challenging societal norms that perpetuate gender inequalities. Shared parental leave can revolutionise family life, challenge traditional gender roles, and shift societal expectations around parenting, benefiting not only women but also men and the economy as a whole.

As Elliott Rae passionately argues, it's time to make equal parental leave a reality.

Whether you missed it or want to playback this brilliant talk with Elliott and the rest of our incredible speakers, the full agenda from the WiW Summit is available to watch for digital or full pass holders.?Haven't registered? Book your digital pass and unlock our full wrap-around and on-demand content.

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