Swedish Government in a landmark policy legislation replaced maternity leave with the parental leave in 1974. Against the backdrop of the social and economic dividends reaped by the Swedish society, Embassy of Sweden is holding an exhibition – “Delhi dads meet Swedish dads” showcasing the everyday lives of fathers on parental leave through their pictures and interviews. Indian photographer Srimon Chatterjee worked with the Swedish photographer Johan Bavman to capture moments of fatherhood in their work.
Sharing stories
“I am a father of two kids and I’m grateful for being able to live my children's childhood with my wife. I cherish the synergy and understanding I have developed towards my partner and my kids and her reciprocal confidence in me for being able to manage the household when she is away at work,” says Johan.
“The dads in the photographs aren't some superheroes, just regular dads, bathing their kids, changing diapers, cleaning their mess, feeding and lulling them to sleep. All we need are more role models that men can relate to,” he adds.
Recalling his experience with the Delhi dads, Srimon says, “Throughout the project, I spent time with different families and explored the dynamics of the equation between children and their fathers. I reflected on my own relationship with my son.”
Srimon shares after the birth of his son he changed his work schedule so that he could spend quality time with him. “Dressing him up, telling him stories and putting him to sleep excites me a lot.”
One of the photographs of a Swedish dad depict the father putting nail-paint on the toes of a young daughter, with her legs dangling from a stool while the other relaxing on his left thigh. In a photograph of a Delhi dad, the father is dressing up his daughter for school while identifying animal names from a chart on the wall.
Striking contrasts
At the panel discussion, the participants discussed the social impact of the paid parental leave, the striking contrasts in the cultural and social mores of India and Sweden towards gender egalitarianism and corporate-political bottlenecks to policy-making in India.
Johan points out, “Love of parents is universal regardless of whether you're a mother or a father. With the aid of this project, I hope to facilitate discourse around dismantling the stigma attached to fathers babysitting their children and inspire introspection among men on their roles as partners and fathers.”
(The exhibition is on at DLF Promenade, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi)
