It is once again the time of the year when we pay tribute to fathers. The celebration of Father's Day has gained increasing importance over the years and there is a deeper appreciation and understanding of the central role fathers play in the family and in society.

In the past, we have seen, all too often, fathers being taken for granted and their role simply equated with that of provider and disciplinarian.

It was as if fathers were expected to be less sensitive than mothers and considered to be not as capable of sharing in the care of children.

Fatherhood has seen many changes in recent years and the father's role is being acknowledged as vital in a holistic approach to the well-being of the family and to men's own self-fulfilment.

Studies have shown that when fathers are actively involved in the lives of their children these show fewer behavioural problems and attain a higher level of performance at school. Good fathering during infancy and early childhood provides the child with the resources for the development of emotional security, as well as language and maths skills.

The abdication of responsibilities by missing fathers, therefore, does not only affect negatively their wives, partners and society in general but constitutes a significant drawback for their own children who often have to endure greater pressures and traumas in their development.

However, men have also been disadvantaged by imposed traditional roles that have excluded them from more time with their families and from attaining a healthier work-life equilibrium. We often hear men say they have missed out on their children's development because they felt compelled to spend long hours at work, sometimes taking on additional jobs or simply not translating fatherhood into a practical way of life. A move away from rigid, conventional roles can also help children to better enjoy both parents and benefit from both role models.

For fathers to participate more fully in the lives of their loved ones they need to become a driving force in changing stereotypical attitudes. For us as a society, to attain true gender equality, employers and decision-makers need to keep in mind that whenever changes are made in order to offer women more choices, men must also be offered the same choices. Access to equal opportunities should not be regarded as a battle between the sexes but rather as an opportunity for a win-win situation, for a better balance of choices and responsibilities.

Fathers' and mothers' roles may be different but essentially provide a complementary and rich resource for children to emulate on their journey towards responsible adulthood. Men are to be encouraged to take advantage of family-friendly measures where these are available and to challenge work cultures wherever these measures are absent. Having men become more engaged as parents will not only benefit themselves but clearly also their children and the family in general.

Father's Day offers all of us the chance to reflect on the way forward so that, in the years to come, more children will be able to look back and appreciate the stability and warmth that responsible fatherhood would have provided them with.

Today my thoughts are with those who have lost their fathers. I would also like to wish all fathers, prospective fathers, grandfathers, caregivers and men who would have made excellent fathers had they had the opportunity, a very special day.

Ms Cristina is Minister for the Family and Social Solidarity.