The future of caregiving is shared: advancing a global agenda that calls men into care

Overview

Nearly 30 years after the adoption of the Beijing Platform for Action (BPfA), caregiving remains deeply feminised and undervalued in both policy and practice. While global efforts have focused on reducing women’s unpaid care burdens, far less attention has been paid to creating opportunities to engage men in care, to how patriarchal gender norms constrain men, and to the powerful personal, relational, and developmental benefits that men experience when they engage in caregiving. Although the BPfA emphasised partnership with men, it largely positioned them as supporters of women’s advancement, rather than as individuals with their own stake in transforming restrictive gender systems. This article argues that caregiving is not only a feminist imperative but is also critical for men’s personal satisfaction and positive relationship and health outcomes. Research shows that when men are active caregivers, they experience greater emotional well-being, stronger relationships, improved physical and mental health, and healthier behaviours. Father involvement is also linked to enhanced identity, life satisfaction, and deeper bonds with children. Drawing on field experiences and academic literature, we call on development actors to move beyond instrumental framings and invest in policies and programmes that recognise caregiving as a powerful means to achieving connection. In doing so, not only the work but also the benefits of caregiving can be equitably shared.