Sabrina Barnes | We still need men - reflection on the value of fathers

On Father’s Day, it is important that we pause and acknowledge a truth that is becoming increasingly difficult to say: we still need men, we still need fathers, and we still need positive male leadership in our homes and communities.

We have conversations surrounding women’s empowerment, female leadership, and gender equality, which are rightly receiving significant attention. Women are breaking barriers, occupying leadership positions, and challenging long-standing inequalities. This progress should be celebrated. However, in our pursuit of advancing women, we must be careful not to diminish the importance of fathers and positive masculinity.

In many societies, including Jamaica, there is often a strong focus on father absenteeism. The reality of absent fathers is undeniable and has had serious consequences for many families and communities. Yet while we frequently discuss the damage caused by fathers who are not present, we spend far less time acknowledging the transformative impact of fathers who are present, involved, and committed.

I have been fortunate to experience the value of a father. My father keeps me grounded, motivates me, challenges me to think critically, and ensures that I remain informed and knowledgeable about the world around me. His guidance has shaped many of my values and decisions. This experience leads me to ask an important question: Imagine how many young girls and boys would benefit if every child had access to a responsible and engaged father figure.

The presence of fathers matters. Children with involved fathers often experience positive outcomes in education, emotional development, confidence, and social relationships. While many single mothers perform extraordinary work and successfully raise accomplished children, acknowledging their resilience should not require us to pretend that father absence has no consequences. 

Two truths can exist simultaneously: single mothers deserve recognition for their sacrifices, and fathers remain an essential component of healthy family structures.

Unfortunately, our society often approaches men differently than it approaches women. Teenage mothers are often provided with support systems, counselling, educational opportunities, and community interventions. Teenage fathers, however, are frequently expected to instantly understand responsibility, parenthood, and financial obligations without receiving the same level of guidance and support. This imbalance does little to prepare young men for successful fatherhood.

If we invested more intentionally in educating boys and young men, particularly in areas such as sexual and reproductive health, emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, and responsible parenting, we would likely address many of the social challenges we currently face. Prevention is always more effective than punishment.

Another issue is the way society views men primarily through the lens of their failures. Discussions about crime, violence, and gender-based violence frequently focus on male perpetrators. While accountability is necessary, we must also recognise that many men who struggle today were once victims themselves -  victims of abuse, neglect, poverty, trauma, or social exclusion. Despite these challenges, countless men rise above their circumstances and become productive citizens, dedicated fathers, community leaders, and positive role models.

Similarly, conversations about violence often overlook the reality that men constitute a significant proportion of homicide victims in many countries. Men’s mental health is another issue that receives far less attention than it deserves. Men are expected to remain strong, provide for others, suppress their emotions, and lead their families without receiving adequate support themselves.

Men should be held accountable when they fail in their duties. However, there is a difference between accountability and blame. Blame rarely produces solutions. Support, education, mentorship, and opportunity are far more effective tools for creating responsible men and responsible fathers.

On Father’s Day, we should also celebrate the fathers who have consistently shown up. The fathers who work long hours to provide for their families. The fathers who attend school events, help with homework, coach sports teams, offer guidance, and sacrifice for their children every day. Many of these men receive little public recognition despite the enormous contributions they make to society.

Communities, organisations, and institutions need to place greater emphasis on recognising positive male role models. Awards, mentorship programmes, fatherhood initiatives, and public celebrations can help highlight examples of healthy masculinity and responsible fatherhood. Young boys need examples to follow, and society benefits when positive male leadership is visible.

Even from a faith perspective, fatherhood carries profound significance. Many religious traditions describe God as a loving father, protector, provider, and guide. These values remind us that fatherhood is a calling rooted in responsibility, service, sacrifice, and leadership.

It is also worth acknowledging that many advances in women’s rights and opportunities have been supported by men who believed in equality and stood alongside women in the fight for progress. Social advancement is rarely achieved by one group working against another. It is achieved when people work together towards a common goal.

Further, daughters often develop healthier perceptions of relationships when positive male role models are present in their lives. While father absence does not determine anyone’s future, the presence of a caring father can provide emotional security, confidence, and a healthy understanding of how men and women should treat one another.

Empowering women and empowering men are not opposing goals. Supporting mothers and supporting fathers are not competing priorities. In fact, they are complementary efforts that strengthen families, communities, and nations.

The need is to move beyond stereotypes and acknowledge an important truth: our society is strongest when both men and women are empowered to thrive. We need fathers who lead with integrity, compassion, and responsibility. We need men who are equipped to mentor the next generation. We need communities that support positive masculinity rather than simply criticising its failures.

The message is simple but powerful: we still need men, we still need dads, and we still need strong male leadership if we are serious about building a healthier and more prosperous society.

Sabrina Barnes is a youth advocate, political enthusiast, social commentator, and university student leader. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Laws degree at the University of the West Indies, Mona.