Though not as widely celebrated as Mothers Day, Sunday marks World Fathers Day, which highlights the important role played by the father as a pillar of the family, Gender Equality Commisioner Iosifina Antoniou said.

Fathers Day is marked on the third Sunday of June each year.
Antoniou said Fathers Day was founded in the early 20th century in the US by a woman whose father had raised five children on his own.

“It is to honour all the fathers of the world for their contribution to both the family and society in general,” said Antoniou in a statement.

“Easy in theory, difficult in practice, being a father is the most difficult role a man has to play once he has children. Father and child signify a bond that consists of care, guidance, love, affection,” she added.