Capacity to provide and nurture: Redefining fatherhood in Ethiopia

In some communities, traditional roles shape family dynamics in deep and lasting ways. Fathers are expected to lead, earn, and provide, while mothers carry the full weight of caregiving and household responsibilities. This division, rarely questioned, leaves little room for shared roles or mutual understanding, and often hides struggles in plain sight. 

Kebede* and his wife lived by these norms. He took on whatever work he could find to support the family, while she cared for their two boys and managed the household. Their life was not easy, but they never complained, even when money was tight.  

When Kebede’s wife passed away unexpectedly, he was heartbroken and overwhelmed by grief, feeling alone with emotions he did not know how to navigate. He began to think he had nothing to give his two young sons; no assets, no savings, no land, and no secure income.

Taking on new responsibilities 

Suddenly, Kebede had to take on roles he had never imagined for himself. Caregiving had always been considered a woman’s duty. He had to manage cooking, cleaning, and ensuring his children’s health and emotional wellbeing. These tasks were foreign to him. 

His responsibilities increased significantly, and survival became a daily battle. Meals became scarce. His sons grew quiet, slipping into malnutrition, their confidence fading as they dropped out of school. 

Kebede, who had once focused all his energy on being a provider, now had no roadmap. He worked tirelessly at whatever daily labour jobs he could find, barely earning enough to feed his children. And though his heart ached, he masked his emotions, not wanting his boys to see his fear. 

Support that changed everything  

Everything began to shift when Kebede came into contact with SOS Children’s Villages Ethiopia through the Family Strengthening Program. What began as an opportunity soon changed the lives of Kebede and his family. 

Beyond financial support, Kebede received comprehensive training that would change the way he understood fatherhood and livelihood. He learned about parenting, nutrition, hygiene, financial literacy, livestock rearing, and business management. 

Slowly, he started to see a new version of himself, one capable of both providing and nurturing. 

Creating sustainable income  

Motivated by livelihood training, Kebede developed a strong interest in agriculture and livestock. He received a small start-up grant, along with a water pump and agricultural inputs to get him started. He also joined a local Savings and Credit Cooperative Organization (SACCO), where he began saving regularly and eventually accessed a loan. This marked the beginning of a new chapter.  

His agricultural business began to grow. With diversified crops of pepper, maize, cabbage, and carrots, and livestock to supplement his earnings, Kebede transitioned from unstable labour to steady agribusiness and small-scale trade. His family now had a more stable income, regular meals, access to education, and hope for a secure future. 

Rebuilding family life

But perhaps the most powerful transformation happened at home. The parenting workshops helped Kebede reconnect with his sons, not only as someone responsible for supporting the household, but as a father they could talk to, trust, and look up to. 

He began preparing nutritious meals, helping with school, and creating an environment of safety and love, something he had never believed he could offer on his own.

In time, the family’s wounds began to heal. His sons, once withdrawn and uncertain about their futures, found their footing again. They returned to school with new uniforms, supplies, and renewed confidence. Their teachers noticed. Kebede noticed. And for the first time, he became their biggest cheerleader. 

As the children healed, so did Kebede. He found companionship again and remarried. His new wife brought warmth, compassion, and a sense of shared responsibility. Together, they became partners in both parenting and building a future. Kebede’s drive continues; he plans to expand his farming, save more through SACCO, and invest even further in his children’s education. 

When asked to reflect on his journey, Kebede’s words are filled with gratitude: 

“The support I received from SOS Children’s Villages brought light into my life when I was in complete darkness.” 

Why your support matters

Together, we help families access the tools, training, and guidance they need to stay together and build more secure futures for their children.

*Name changed to protect privacy.