Naples, January 28, 2026 – Fathers in Naples are demonstrating an increased commitment to childcare from the earliest stages of their children’s lives, yet the uptake of paternity leave remains remarkably low. This trend, coupled with the positive impact of fatherly presence on child development and a reduction in domestic violence, highlights a pressing need for legislative reform and greater awareness.
Fathers’ Engagement vs. Paternity Leave Uptake
Despite a growing desire among Neapolitan fathers to actively participate in their children’s upbringing, especially during the critical ‘first thousand days’, the percentage of fathers utilizing paternity leave stands at a mere 38% to 58%. This figure lags significantly behind Northern Italy, where paternity leave usage ranges from 69% to 84%.
Specialists emphasize that a greater paternal presence contributes to a more balanced development in children, leading to reduced impulsivity in adolescence. Furthermore, it is linked to a decrease in domestic violence incidents.
The EMiNC Project: A Catalyst for Change in Naples
For two years, Naples, alongside Barcelona and Lisbon, served as a ‘laboratory’ for the international EMiNC (Engaging Men in Nurturing Care) project. Coordinated by ISSA-International Step by Step Association and promoted in Italy by the Centre for Children’s Health (CSB) with funding from the OAK Foundation International, the project involved approximately one hundred operators. Collaborating with the Municipality of Naples, the Campania Region, and the Federico II and Suor Orsola Benincasa Universities, the initiative developed a replicable model for other Italian cities.
Giorgio Tamburlini, President of CSB, presented a positive assessment at the Salone delle Colonne of the Complesso Monumentale dell’Annunziata. He highlighted Naples’ emergence as a vanguard in raising awareness and fostering change regarding fatherhood and masculinity, noting the enthusiasm of participating fathers who overcame traditional stereotypes.
Maura Striano, Councillor for Education and Families of the Municipality of Naples, underscored the essential role of involving fathers in care practices for child development, stating, “This project has confirmed its importance.”
Calls for Legislative Reform
Paolo Siani, a pediatrician and member of the Table for Childhood and Adolescence – Municipality of Naples, expressed hope for an expansion of paid paternity leave in Italian and regional legislation. He pointed out the disparity between the ten working days granted to fathers and the 150 days for mothers, noting that while this aligns with the minimum requirements of the EU Directive, it falls short of promoting equitable parental involvement.
Siani also raised concerns about incarcerated fathers, numbering around three thousand in Poggioreale and Secondigliano prisons. He further highlighted that data on paternity leave usage primarily pertains to the public sector, with significant variations in opportunities for fathers in large and small private companies, and no provisions for self-employed individuals.
Annina Lubbock, a CSB sociologist, explained why Naples was an ideal choice for the project: “Naples initially seemed the ideal city because, while it presents common issues found in other Italian realities, such as low female employment, it offers a dynamic and potentially innovative context.”
The findings from the EMiNC project in Naples underscore the need for continued efforts to support fathers’ involvement in childcare and advocate for policies that facilitate greater gender equality in parenting responsibilities.
