Observance Dates and Official Status

• USA: Third Sunday in June (Official holiday, working day)
• Italy: March 19 (Official holiday, working day)
• Germany: Ascension Day (Unofficial holiday, working day)
• Australia and New Zealand: First Sunday in September (Unofficial holiday, working day)
• South Korea: May 8 (Official holiday, working day)
• Lithuania and Estonia: Second Sunday in June (Official holiday, non-working day)

Celebration Practices

1. Family gatherings
2. Gift-giving
3. Special events and festivals
4. Charitable activities
5. Campaigns highlighting the importance of fatherhood

Objectives

• Emphasizing the role of fathers in family and society
• Strengthening family values
• Reinforcing the bond between fathers and children
• Raising awareness of paternal responsibilities

Application of International Experience in the Republic of Armenia

The concept of establishing Father’s Day in Armenia has deep roots in gender equality efforts. Karen Zadoyan, President of the Armenian Lawyers’ Association, has played a crucial role in this process. As a gender legal expert for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) “Gender and Politics in the South Caucasus: Georgia and Armenia” work program, Zadoyan proposed to the Armenian government in 2007 to establish Father’s Day in Armenia as part of a broader gender policy development. This proposal became a significant step towards promoting family values and gender equality in Armenia. Approximately 17 years after the ALA President‘s initial proposal, in 2024, the Armenian government finally decided to establish Father’s Day. This decision reflects long-term public discussions, the study of international experiences, and Armenia’s progress in the field of gender equality.

The establishment of Father’s Day in Armenia aligns with international trends and can contribute to:

1. Strengthening family values
2. Emphasizing the role of fathers in family and society
3. Promoting gender equality
4. Reinforcing the bond between fathers and children
5. Raising awareness of paternal responsibilities

Interesting Facts

• The idea of Father’s Day originated in the United States at the beginning of the 20th century. Sonora Smart Dodd proposed this idea in 1909.
• Father’s Day became a national holiday in the United States in 1972 during President Richard Nixon’s administration.
• In Italy, Father’s Day coincides with the feast of Saint Joseph, who is considered the patron saint of fathers.
• In Germany, Father’s Day is often celebrated with men’s group outings and traditional foods.
• In Australia and New Zealand, Father’s Day is celebrated in spring, which facilitates outdoor activities.
• The idea of Father’s Day was first proposed in Armenia in 2007, demonstrating the country’s early involvement in modern gender equality concepts.