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.
