From challenging traditional norms to creating workplaces that support dads as caregivers, John and David explore how fathering can drive systemic change.

We know that many dads still feel pressure to be the provider and face stigma around flexible work arrangements, discouraging them from taking parental leave. However, when care is shared, opportunities grow for everyone; reducing gender inequalities that impact mental health, mothers’ career opportunities, and perpetuates harmful gender norms for children.

[1] (0:35) "On average, Australian women do 9 hours more unpaid work and care than men" Australian Government, Office for Women. (2025). Status of women report card 2025. https://genderequality.gov.au/status-women-report-cards/2025-report-card

[2] (1:38s) "Mothers are much more likely than fathers to take parental leave" Workplace Gender Equality Agency. (2024). Australia's gender equality scorecard 2023-24. https://www.wgea.gov.au/publications/australias-gender-equality-scorecard

[3] (1:38s) "Mothers are much more likely than fathers to take parental leave" Australian Institute of Family Studies. (2024). Take-up of Parental Leave Pay and Dad and Partner Pay [PDF]. https://aifs.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-05/2405%20Take%20up%20of%20Parental%20Leave%20Pay%20and%20Dad%20and%20Partner%20Pay.pdf

[4] (2:40s)“ Women’s earnings fall by around 55 per cent in the first five years after having a child. This is known as the motherhood penalty.” Bahar, E., Bradshaw, N., Deutscher, N., & Montaigne, M. (2023). Children and the gender earnings gap: Evidence for Australia (Treasury Working Paper 2023–02). Australian Government Treasury. https://treasury.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-03/p2023-372004.pdf

Further Reading: Advancing-gender-equitable-take-up-of-PPL-and-flexible-work.pdf