“Still a dad”: navigating fatherhood after unplanned pregnancies

Young men have only recently been recognised as pivotal to promoting gender equality and strengthening family wellbeing in South Africa. This study documents the experiences of fifteen young men from low-income, urban communities who became fathers through unprotected sex. All were aware of the negative consequences of such behaviour but felt that it was not their responsibility to practice safe sex. They were over-burdened with the responsibility of being fathers, especially in the absence of family support. They highlighted a lack of social support services for men and fathers. Although there have been efforts to expand family planning efforts and promote safer sexual practices in resource poor settings, it remains a challenge. This study emphasises the importance of targeted, gender-inclusive, social services aimed at men to promote safer sexual practices and a greater commitment to their fathering role.