Over the years, I have observed — with deep attention and concern — how society places more emphasis on celebrating motherhood than fatherhood. While mothers undeniably play a profound and irreplaceable role in the building of homes and shaping of lives, it is important we do not overlook the often silent, strenuous sacrifices of fathers.
Many fathers toil under the scorching sun, take unimaginable risks, and give up their personal comfort all for the well-being and future of their families. From scratch, they help build homes through thick and thin — yet the world barely pauses to truly acknowledge or celebrate them.
In a modest survey I conducted, the results were disheartening: in a ratio of 1 to 10 families, most fathers are either deceased or passed on shortly after retirement — never truly enjoying the fruits of their labor. The surviving mothers often get more recognition and celebration, not just from their children but from society at large.
This is not to downplay or diminish the immeasurable contributions of mothers. They deserve every ounce of celebration and more. But should it come at the complete relegation of fatherhood?
Too often, fathers are only remembered or celebrated in death. Meanwhile, mothers enjoy recognition multiple times within a single year. Many reading this may have lost their fathers early in life or may never have seen them enjoy the joy and peace they worked so hard to secure for their families.
This imbalance in appreciation needs to be addressed. It is time we change the narrative and begin to intentionally celebrate fathers — not just on Father’s Day, not just in eulogies, but in the daily gratitude and recognition they truly deserve.
This societal neglect has also shaped how many young men perceive fatherhood today. The lack of visible appreciation and acknowledgment discourages some from fully embracing the responsibilities of being a present and engaged father. When the contributions of fathers are overlooked or undervalued, it sends a message — consciously or unconsciously — that their efforts are dispensable or less significant. This is dangerous, not just for the future of families but for the structure of society as a whole.
Media and pop culture further reflect this imbalance. While mothers are often portrayed as nurturers, caregivers, and emotional pillars of the home, fathers are frequently cast in roles that are either secondary or one-dimensional. Rarely do we see nuanced stories of fathers who are emotionally present, self-sacrificing, and deeply invested in their children’s lives. These narratives are essential, as they can reshape perceptions and foster greater respect for fatherhood across generations.
It’s time institutions — religious, educational, corporate, and governmental — begin to integrate father-focused initiatives into their programs and policies. Encouraging paternity leave, creating fatherhood mentorship groups, recognizing outstanding fathers in communities, and promoting inclusive family narratives are ways we can begin to bridge the appreciation gap. The shift must be intentional, and it must begin now — because fathers matter, and their sacrifices deserve to be honored while they are still here to witness it.
Adejola Adeyemi Crown
