“Imagine you leave your country and move somewhere where your skin colour, language, food and almost everything around you are different.”
“You decide to start a family and have your first baby in this new country. You face many obstacles and while there are support services, they do not always feel like they are for you.”
Observing his experience inspired PhD candidate, Nhat Huy Vo, to explore the lives of other Vietnamese fathers living in Australia, during the perinatal period.
“My research focuses on the voices of first-time Vietnamese fathers living in Australia, to understand their journey and make sure the support they receive is inclusive and culturally responsive,” he says.
Huy’s study explores how migration, culture and settlement challenges shape the experience of becoming a father.
“In Vietnam, fathers are often seen as strong, silent and distant from perinatal matters, with child rearing roles traditionally left to mothers and grandmothers. My study challenges that stereotype. I saw many fathers blending traditional Vietnamese values, such as being the provider and protector, with more hands-on, emotionally open care giving roles. I believe these changes are also beginning to take place in Vietnam today, reflecting a gradual shift in how fatherhood is understood and practiced.”
The study also uncovered challenges including social isolation, language barriers and a lack of culturally appropriate support.
“This research highlights the need for more culturally informed programs,” he says.
Huy hopes his work will help improve support for new fathers in multicultural societies like Australia.
“In the end, this work is about building more inclusive systems that see fathers as equal partners in raising children – something that can make life better for parents, children and the whole community,” he says.
