daniel chigunwe
Joshua Muswere
Herald Correspondent
THESE days, financial, social, academic and religious pressures take up so much time, that fathers often have difficulties finding time to spend with their loved ones.
Father’s Day usually passes without that much fanfare, but for this year, people changed the narrative and went all out in celebrating the previously forgotten heroes of various socio-economic and political backgrounds.
Celebrated on the third Sunday of June, efforts of fatherhood, paternal bonds and male parents towards their families and societies are appreciated. Apart from celebrating biological fathers, the day is meant to appreciate all those that play fatherly roles in raising and guiding children as they grow into adulthood and that includes stepfathers.
Yesterday, fathers across the globe were celebrated with the objective of realising and honouring the contribution of fathers in society.
Daughters and sons took the opportunity to express their gratitude and appreciation by making memorable gestures like flowers, perfumes and various other presents.
In an interview, Ms Blessed Malinga of Harare said often Father’s Day was neglected and she aimed to change that.
“Fathers have been working very hard over the years and some feel unappreciated. My father carries a lot of burden on his shoulders and this year I’m choosing to show him my appreciation and that I notice his hardwork,” she said.
Father’s Day is not as eventful as Mother’s Day. It deserves special honour and there was a lot of activity to conclude that efforts were being taken to celebrate the day. Time and time again, few doubt the vital roles that mothers play, but little or no significance is given to the father.
Mothers are quite often regarded as the main caregivers, whereas fathers are seen as the breadwinner, only in the periphery of family life.
However, societal expectations of fathers have been ever-changing in relation to the importance of the roles that fathers play in the early stages of infancy, and that they can secure attachments to their child even within the first year of a child’s life.
In so many ways, fathers are important for the emotional, social, psychological, physical and sexual development of both male and female children.
Mr Robert Nhekede said he was a proud father in that the children take their time in making every Father’s Day memorable.
“Father’s Day reminds me that besides life’s difficulties of being a father, there are people who appreciate and notice the effort that I put in making sure that they receive the best upbringing possible, an upbringing different from the one I had,” he said.
“Being a father is not about siring children, but it goes beyond intimacy and gratitude. It takes responsibility as well as a sense of respect expected to fully execute the duties of being a father.
“A father’s involvement should not be judged by the number of hours spent at home with the children. It alludes to the degree of engagement, responsibility, accessibility and the love that a father dedicates to his family.”
Online Reporter