Nondumiso Vilane Nurse-Midwife · Author · Researcher
The talk

What might we be missing?

Countless programmes work to improve the health of mothers and children, and too often fathers are left on the sidelines. Her talks ask what we have been missing, and show what changes when fathers are informed, supported and emotionally present.

The themes come from her research and writing, and each talk is shaped to the event and its audience.

  • Fathers throughout the lifespanFrom preconception and pregnancy to childbirth, infancy and beyond.
  • Beyond provision and protectionWhy emotional presence and connection matter as much.
  • Including fathers in health servicesBarriers, opportunities and family-centred care.
  • Fathers in infant and young child feedingWhat her doctoral research is exploring.
  • The legacy we leaveThe patterns we inherit and the relationships we build.
For event organisers

Why this topic belongs on your programme.

Enquire About Speaking →
Relevant to many audiences

Every family is affected

Fatherhood touches health services, schools, workplaces and faith communities, so the topic speaks to mixed audiences.

Shaped to the room

Built around your audience

A short planning conversation shapes examples for your attendees, whether health workers, students, parents or a full conference hall.

Grounded in evidence

Research meets real life

Ideas drawn from nursing and midwifery practice and doctoral research, explained in language families recognise.

Speaking topics

Talks.

The featured talk, plus two related sessions. Each can be adapted to your audience and event length.

Featured talk

More Than a Provider: Rethinking Fatherhood

Why children need their fathers' presence, affection and guidance as well as provision and protection, and how families and communities can make room for that.

Keynote45–60 min keynote
Talk

Father-Inclusive Maternal and Child Health

How health services can include fathers from pregnancy through early childhood, drawing on her research in infant and young child feeding.

Session30–45 min talk
Talk

Building Families on Purpose

Intentional involvement, shared responsibility and the legacy parents leave for their children.

Session45 min talk or workshop
Audience & focus

Who each talk is for, and what it explores.

TalkSuited toWhat attendees explore
More Than a Provider: Rethinking FatherhoodConferences, family and parent forums, faith and community organisations, workplacesA fuller picture of fatherhood and practical ways to support involved fathers
Father-Inclusive Maternal and Child HealthNurses, midwives, health professionals, NGOs and health departmentsBarriers and opportunities for involving fathers in everyday care
Building Families on PurposeParents, couples, universities and community groupsReflection on the relationships families build and the patterns they pass on
Session formats

Ways to bring her to your event.

Each format can be delivered in person, online or as a hybrid session.

45–60 min

Keynote

A main-stage talk that sets the tone for a conference or forum.

30–45 min

Fireside conversation

A guided conversation with a host, followed by audience questions.

Half day

Interactive workshop

A smaller-group session where health workers, parents or community groups apply the ideas to their own context.

Panel

Panel contributor

A research-informed voice on panels about fatherhood, family well-being and maternal and child health.

How booking works

From first enquiry to event day.

Enquire About Speaking →
  1. Send an enquiry

    Share your event, audience and goals through the short form below.

  2. Planning call

    If the date and fit work, a call is arranged to understand your audience and objectives.

  3. Tailored session

    Content, examples and format are shaped for your event and confirmed in writing.

  4. Event day

    She arrives prepared, delivers the session and can stay for questions or a book signing.

Organiser questions

Frequently asked.

How far in advance should we enquire?

Two to three months ahead is ideal for conferences. Shorter notice is sometimes possible, so it is always worth asking.

Can the talk be tailored to our audience?

Yes. The planning call is used to choose examples and emphasis that fit your sector, audience and event theme.

Is virtual delivery available?

Sessions can be delivered online or as a hybrid, with a technical check beforehand.

Can attendees receive copies of the book?

Bulk copies can be arranged for attendees, with a signing after the session on request.

What do you need from us on the day?

A microphone, a screen for slides and a short run-through with your AV team are usually enough. Specific requirements are confirmed in writing.

Speaking enquiry

Tell us about your event.

A few details help her assess fit and prepare for a useful first conversation. It takes about three minutes.

  1. Event details
  2. Speaking requirements
  3. Your details
  4. Review & send

Event details

Where and when the session would take place.

Enter the name of the event.
Choose the type of event.
Enter a date from today onwards.
Enter the city or venue.
Choose an audience size.
Event format*
Choose how the session will be delivered.
Fields marked * are required.