This year, Azerbaijan celebrated its first Father’s Day. The development is a result of UNFPA’s concerted advocacy efforts and cooperation with governmental actors in order to secure an annual celebration of positive masculinities and responsible fatherhood. Photo by UNFPA/Teymur Najafov.

Fathers and children explored topics such as gender equality, promoting the value of girl children, equal parenthood and sharing household duties through fun and interactive activities at a camp in Azerbaijan to celebrate the inaugural Father's Day. Photo by UNFPA/Forest School Azerbaijan.

In Moldova, fathers and children played together and took part in a braiding workshop to celebrate Father's Day. To combat deeply-rooted gender stereotypes, UNFPA has created father’s clubs and promotes an engaged and caring role of men in the family. Photo by UNFPA/Adriana Bîzgu.

UNFPA Moldova works on tackling rigid gender division of labor and prevailing stereotypes through innovative solutions such as father’s clubs and peer-exchange programmes. Photo by UNFPA/Adriana Bîzgu.

In Albania, Father's Day was dedicated to championing companies with family-friendly policies. The day also celebrated fathers who are engaged and value quality time with family and children and advocate gender equality and good parenting. Photo by UNFPA/Eduard Pagria.

Only 21 per cent of businesses in Albania consider it reasonable to allow men to benefit from family-friendly policies. UNFPA works closely with the private sector to break the mold and promote involved fatherhood through expanded workplace policies. Photo by UNFPA/Eduard Pagria.

Georgia celebrated its seventh Father’s Day by bringing fathers and their children together in teams to participate in outdoor activities. The teams competed in a treasure hunt in Mziuri Park in Tbilisi. Photo by UNFPA/Irakli Chelidze.

The event was arranged as part of UNFPA’s MenCare campaign. According to a 2019 study, care for children in Georgia is still largely the sole responsibility of mothers. MenCare is aimed at encouraging men to be non-violent, caring fathers and partners and advocates of gender equality. Photo by UNFPA/Irakli Chelidze.

Kosovo’s third annual Father’s festival emphasized the importance of caring and involved fatherhood. The Government of Kosovo is currently discussing whether to extend paternal leave from three to ten days. Photo by UNFPA/Liridon Qorraj.