Mykolaiv has a free space for men to learn about fatherhood and provide emotional support

A space for men in Mykolaiv, photo by Yuliia Vozniuk for NikVesti

Mykolaiv has a free space for men where they can get support, learn about fatherhood and build partnerships.

NikVesti talked to Yuliia Vozniuk, the project's communications manager, to find out more about TatoHub.Mykolaiv and how it supports veterans and their families.

According to her, TatoHub is part of an all-Ukrainian network and works with men, veterans, and youth in Mykolaiv region. About 300 participants have joined it since its inception.

«The space was officially opened in Mykolaiv on 28 November 2024 and became part of the all-Ukrainian TatoHub network. Unfortunately, the project was temporarily on hold from March to September and has now resumed its activities. During the period of activity within the TatoHub Mykolaiv project, about 300 men took part in the events,» Yuliia Vozniuk told us in a comment.

There is a space for men in Mykolaiv, photo by Yuliia Vozniuk for NikVesti

There is a space for men in Mykolaiv, photo by Yuliia Vozniuk for NikVesti

Yuliia Vozniuk said that 30 events were held for veterans as part of the hub's work, and more than 20 more were psychological sessions and family activities. A separate area is combating gender-based violence: 20 thematic events have been held to raise awareness and support families.

«TatoHub.Mykolaiv is one of the few spaces in Ukraine created specifically for men. Here, they can talk about their worries, fatigue and fears without judgement, receive psychological help, rethink gender roles and develop involved fatherhood. The space does not work with «roles», but with people — taking into account the military experience and the realities of veterans' lives,» added Yuliia Vozniuk.

Space for responsible fatherhood

The hub's activities include family events for fathers and children, workshops on parenting and emotional literacy as part of the Dad School, art therapy meetings for veterans and support for their partners.

The space also cooperates with Maternity Hospital №3 in Mykolaiv, where they hold meetings with psychologists about partnerships and overcoming stress during childbirth.

A space for men in Mykolaiv, photo by Yuliia Vozniuk for NikVesti

«There are 13 TatoHubs in Ukraine. These are spaces of responsible fatherhood where men learn to be «included» in the lives of their families. In the context of the war, when Ukrainians face many challenges, including preserving their families and relationships, DadHubs support families on the path to resilience. TatoHub.Mykolaiv is open to all Mykolaiv residents who share the values of partnership in relationships and counteracting any manifestations of violence,» said Olena Botvintseva, project coordinator, in a comment to NikVesti.

Yuliia Vozniuk adds that the space helps to form conscious fatherhood, supports men in seeking psychological help and offers a new model of participation in family life.

TatoHub.Mykolaiv is implemented by the NGO «Successful Woman» within the framework of the project «Ways of Recovery: Building community resilience through egalitarian approaches», with the support of UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, in partnership with the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration and with financial support from Sweden.

It is worth noting that upon returning from the frontline, Mykolaiv residents face difficult challenges — from finding work and housing to restoring their psychological balance. Not everyone manages to quickly adapt to peaceful life.