“Because they really want to be good fathers”: A formative qualitative study of gendered challenges and opportunities for engaging male caregivers in a parenting programme with and for parents in street situations in Kenya

Abstract

Background: A large and growing global evidence base suggests that parenting programmes 28 that engage men can positively impact the health and wellbeing of children, parents, and 29 families. However, rates of male engagement in parenting programmes globally have remained 30 markedly low, particularly among structurally marginalized men. Limited research has examined 31 the gendered nuances shaping men’s participation in parenting programmes amidst structural 32 oppression. To better understand the gendered complexities of marginalized men’s engagement 33 in parenting programmes, this participatory formative research explored prospective gendered 34 challenges and opportunities for engaging fathers in street situations in Kenya in a community 35 co-created parenting programme. Methods: Three phases of participatory data collection were 36 undertaken: (1) in-depth interviews and demographic surveys with 40 parents in street situations 37 (20 fathers, 20 mothers), (2) in-depth interviews with 12 community service providers who 38 support the street community in Eldoret, and (3) demographic surveys and nine focus group 39 discussions with 29 parents in street situations (four with fathers, five with mothers). Data were 40 analysed using reflexive thematic analysis alongside a participatory co-analysis with a Parent 41 Advisory Group of 10 parents in street situations (5 fathers, 5 mothers) and other community 42 stakeholders in Eldoret (n=37). Results: Participant narratives suggested that father engagement 43 will be impacted by (a) the dynamic interplay of masculine expectations to provide financially 44 for their families (including by prioritizing income generating opportunities and deprioritizing 45 initiatives perceived to threaten their masculinity), (b) fatherhood aspirations to be involved in 46 their children’s upbringing and inherent motivations to engage in parenting support (including by 47 celebrating their talents and strengths), and (c) structural oppression (e.g., lack of housing, 48 extreme poverty, police violence) which complicates their ability to do either. Conclusions:3 49 Parenting programmes targeting families in street situations that seek to successfully engage 50 fathers should accommodate their expectations as providers (e.g., via financial support or 51 economic strengthening), create space for them to explore and expand their masculinity in ways 52 aligned with their aspirations to be involved fathers whilst promoting gender equity, and engage 53 with a wider system of support to protect their human rights. Further research is needed to test 54 these strategies in real-world implementation contexts.