Context
Gender stereotypes about fatherhood remain deeply rooted in Ukrainian society: childrearing is often perceived as a “woman’s responsibility,” while men’s caregiving role is undervalued or treated as exceptional. In the context of war, loss, and the disruption of family structures, these perceptions require particular reconsideration.
For frontline communities in the Kharkiv region, stories of families who survived occupation and continue living through wartime become an important source of social support and normalization of diverse family models.
What was done
The Hromada.Group editorial team published a social-profile feature about Oleh Mykhailiev, a history teacher from Artemivka in the Pechenihy community, who has been raising three children alone after the death of his wife.
The article:
- presents the experience of a single father without appealing to pity or sensationalism;
- shows a man’s daily responsibility and care as a normal part of fatherhood;
- describes the family’s experience of surviving Russian occupation and adapting to life during the war.
How it was implemented
The article was produced in the format of a social portrait focused on the family’s everyday life.
The journalistic approach included:
- a detailed description of the family’s story and the daily challenges of raising children;
- a conscious avoidance of heroization, dramatization, or emotional pressure on readers;
- a focus on the father’s role as caregiver, educator, and a stable figure in the children’s lives;
- adherence to ethical standards regarding children’s privacy.
Olena Zelenina, Head of the Analytical Department of the Hromada.Group local media network in Kharkiv region, noted:
“The topic of ‘a dad on parental leave’ is almost absent from Ukrainian media. Perhaps because very few fathers use this opportunity. According to various estimates, only 2–3% of fathers take parental leave, which is significantly lower than in many European countries, although public opinion surveys show that a large share of Ukrainians consider it normal when a woman earns more than a man. In reality, however, stereotypes still limit this practice.”
She also emphasized that stereotypes in the portrayal of fatherhood are reinforced by exceptional cases. According to her, when media focus only on “ideal” fathers or, conversely, “terrible” fathers, they create an unrealistic background for most people. Therefore, avoiding moralizing judgments is one of the best safeguards against reproducing stereotypes in coverage of fatherhood.
Zelenina further stressed the importance of balancing public interest with children’s privacy. In sensitive cases, she recommends changing names and avoiding identifiable locations such as schools or neighborhoods. Journalists should explain not only where the material will be published, but also what reactions and comments may appear online, so that participants understand the implications of a permanent digital footprint. At the same time, she emphasized that journalists must never pressure people to relive painful experiences for emotional effect or a stronger headline.
Impact
The publication helps challenge the stereotype that parenting is exclusively a “female sphere” and increases the visibility of men as responsible and engaged fathers.
The article also:
- supports public acceptance of diverse family models;
- demonstrates how local journalism can address sensitive social issues without stigmatization;
- fosters empathetic understanding of families living in frontline communities.
What other media can learn from this
- Cover male caregiving without sensationalism or exoticization, avoiding framing it as an “exception” or a “heroic act.”
- Avoid pity-oriented language and excessive heroization, focusing instead on responsibility and everyday care.
- Portray fatherhood as an ongoing process, not merely a reaction to tragedy or loss.
- Challenge gender stereotypes through normalization, allowing the story itself to convey the message.
- Address social issues through concrete human stories, rather than abstract generalizations.
- Take into account the local context of war and occupation, showing the resilience of communities and families.
- Apply strong ethical standards regarding children’s privacy, never using children as emotional tools.