In northeast Nigeria, where men traditionally make key household decisions but often remain uninvolved in family health, Papas’ Clubs are changing the narrative. Supported by the Nigerian Red Cross and the IFRC, these clubs bring fathers into community efforts to improve nutrition, child health, and household wellbeing. By engaging men in discussions on gender equality, the clubs help fathers recognize the importance of supporting women and taking shared responsibility for family care.
Many fathers in Nigerian households control financial decisions and access to healthcare, yet are typically excluded from nutrition and child wellbeing initiatives. Papas’ Clubs were created to address this gap, providing fathers with a space to learn, support one another, and actively participate in combating malnutrition. Through training on nutrition, hygiene, and positive parenting, fathers have gained practical skills, such as preparing fortified foods like Tom Brown and implementing healthy cooking demonstrations.
Beyond nutrition, Papas’ Clubs integrate education on disaster risk reduction, WASH practices, and financial resilience. Participants have received tools, climate-resilient seedlings, and guidance on savings and investment through Village Savings and Loans Associations. This comprehensive approach enables fathers to plan for emergencies, improve family nutrition, and strengthen household stability.
The initiative complements Mothers’ Clubs, creating a holistic family-focused approach. Weekly meetings facilitated by Red Cross volunteers equip fathers with knowledge on Maternal, Infant, and Young Children Nutrition, helping them make informed decisions for their families. By actively engaging men in caregiving, Papas’ Clubs empower fathers to become champions of resilience, reshape traditional roles, and ensure children grow up healthier and in supportive environments.
Overall, Papas’ Clubs demonstrate that involving fathers in nutrition and health efforts can transform household dynamics, foster gender equality, and build stronger, more resilient communities in the face of food security challenges.
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