Making gender equality real

An innovative Storytelling for Father’s Day event was held at the Scottish Storytelling Centre on Saturday 18th June. It was good to meet with participating dads, their children and mums too, as well as dads’ support workers. The event was organised by Prestonpans storyteller Tim Porteus and included two workshops specifically for dads: ‘Challenges of Fatherhood’ and ‘Being a Storydad’. The event also included storytelling sessions for children, live music and arts and crafts activities open to all. There was no charge for the event or workshops as all contributions to the day were voluntary.

According to organiser, Tim Porteus: “Storytelling can be a really powerful way for dads to bond with their children, particularly for dads who have problems over access or who don’t see much of their children. It can be hard for men to find space to spend time with their children, and many dads welcome the chance to build confidence when talking to and building a relationship with them”.

During the day, dads were asked about their experiences of becoming a dad for the first time and about proposed changes to statutory paternity and parental leave entitlements. They emphasised the need for emotional as well as practical support for new dads – including the opportunity to get to know other dads. They very much appreciated the sort of support provided through child and family centres. Some called for services to be made available to all dads. Not surprisingly, dads were in favour of proposals to increase statutory entitlement to paternity/parental leave. They particularly valued flexible working arrangements e.g. so they could take time off when needed or rearrange shifts to spend time with their children before bedtime. A couple of dads described positive experiences with family-friendly employers who had allowed them considerable flexibility, highlighting that this is not just an issue of legislative change, but also one of cultural change in how working fathers’ roles are viewed. As one dad put it, “we’re not just breadwinners!”

This report captures key learning from the practice-sharing events we held earlier in 2010, shares practical tips for engaging with dads and tackling stereotypes, and finally, makes a series of policy recommendations.

The report highlights the long term – as well as immediate – benefits to children and families of investment in services which support fathers and, more broadly, men as carers. At Children in Scotland we firmly believe that support to fathers (as well as mothers) is an essential element of family support services, and one in which there is potential to make a substantial difference to outcomes for children and young people. Challenging gender stereotypes and changing attitudes is also an important aspect of this work. We shall continue to make these points strenuously over the coming months, particularly in the light of impending budgetary cuts (see item below on budget cuts).

We will be circulating this report widely to both national and local authority level policy and decision –makers. We shall also be sending copies directly to participants in the 2010 Glasgow and Aberdeen events and to others on our project mailing list. Additionally, we have a small number of hard copies available on request while stocks last.

A big ‘thank you’ to all who participated in the events and contributed to the report. We would be very pleased to hear from you if you have any comments, queries or suggestions about future work.

Report from practice sharing events

Oxford study on shared parenting

A recent study from the University of Oxford (‘Caring for children after parental separation: would legislation for shared parenting time help children?’) found no clear evidence that any specific postseparation parental time-sharing arrangement produced better outcomes for children. Far more important factors were held to be the ability of parents to cooperate and agree their own arrangements without involving lawyers or the courts, and financial security. Yet legislation would most directly apply to those who had turned to the courts after failing to reach agreement. Rather than seeking to enshrine a presumption of shared parenting time in law, the report argues that children’s interests will be best served by supporting separating parents to carefully consider arrangements and to prioritise their children’s changing needs over their own wishes. The report has received some criticism for its emphasis on shared time, rather than considering a broader definition of shared parenting that focuses more on quality. To view the Oxford report, click here

Children in Scotland Early Years Materials

Children in Scotland produces a range of publications focusing on early years practice and policy issues. These include the quarterly Early Years Newsletter, recent briefings on Preconception Health and Fetal Alcohol Harm and a report on The Cost of Childcare in Scotland. These

materials can all be accessed via the Children in Scotland website.

Father’s Network Scotland

The national network for dads and people working to support fathers continues to grow. It is now possible to upload and share details of projects, people and events on the website.

Under the Equality Act 2010 the new public sector equality duty covers the 8 protected characteristics of age, disability, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. The Act places a legal obligation upon public bodies across Scotland, England and Wales to have ‘due regard’ for the need to:

• Eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation

• Advance equality of opportunity

• Foster good relations between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not.

In order to meet this requirement in relation to gender equality, public bodies will be required to:

• Remove or minimise disadvantages suffered by women or men due to their gender

• Take steps to meet the specific needs of women or men where these differ

• Encourage women and men to participate in public life or in other activities where their participation is disproportionately low.

The ‘general equality duty’ described above came into force on 5 April 2011 across Scotland, England and Wales. Specific, additional equality duties that will apply to public authorities in Scotland will be set out in The Equality Act (Specific Duties) (Scotland) Regulations. A draft of these Regulations was considered by the Scottish Parliament Equal Opportunities Committee in March 2011. Following lobbying by some equalities organisations and individuals, the Committee chose not to recommend approval of these draft Regulations, which were subsequently withdrawn. The main concerns of lobbying organisations were that the proposed specific duties were too weak, that they would reduce the accountability of public bodies and that they would be in danger of creating a hierarchy of equality.

The Scottish Government intends to undertake further consultation and to draft new Regulations for public authorities in Scotland later this year.