African men step out with their babies on their backs

A new photo series sheds light on issues of gender equality

It’s not common to see men carrying their babies on their backs in Senegal, so one photographer decided to change that, capturing fathers with their babies on the streets of the capital, Dakar, as reported by the BBC.

“People were clapping — sometimes it was a bit hard to take the picture because we were having such a large audience,” the photographer, Marta Moreiras, told the BBC, of her portraits that are part of this year’s Sony World Photography Awards competition. “All the women were like: ‘Hey, give me five, I’m going to call my husband — we don’t see this every day.”

The story is similar in many parts of Africa, especially the smaller villages. In fact, Christian Children’s Fund of Canada works with families in rural Ethiopia to encourage fathers to take a more active role in rearing and playing with their children (pictured).

Sponsor a child today to support a child and their family.

About Children Believe

Children Believe works globally to empower children to dream fearlessly, stand up for what they believe in — and be heard. For 60+ years, we’ve brought together brave young dreamers, caring supporters and partners, and unabashed idealists. Together, we’re driven by a common belief: creating access to education — inside and outside of classrooms — is the most powerful tool children can use to change their world.

 

About Inspiring Stories

September 2026

Rebuilding hope in Burkina Faso's crisis zone

In Burkina Faso, displacement and insecurity have closed schools and shattered routines. Discover how the PROSIPE project is restoring education, safety, and hope for children like Faiza.

September 2026

Here, a child can be born and still not exist

In a remote village in India, children are born but not officially registered — barring them from school, healthcare, and a future. Read how one community turned invisibility into opportunity.

August 2026

Showing up where help often doesn’t

In Paraguay, silence has let violence against children go unseen for generations. See how donor support is helping kids find their voice.