ABSTRACT Background Labour companionship is a recommendation by WHO that health authorities enable women to choose a companion during labour to ensure a safe and dignified labour experience for the birthing woman. However, most healthcare facilities in low‐ and middle‐income countries do not necessarily consider this maternal need, which hampers a positive maternal experience during labour. Objective This study aims to examine midwives' perception towards the involvement of male partners in labour companionship. Methods An exploratory phenomenological approach was chosen and semi‐structured interviews were used for this study. Results The four main themes identified in this study include ‘Understanding of male partners' involvement in labour companionship’, ‘Involvement of midwives in decision‐making’, ‘Barriers to male partners' involvement in labour companionship’ and ‘Facilitators of male partners' involvement in labour companionship’. Conclusion and Implications This study found a lack of understanding among midwives of the significance of male partners' involvement in labour companionship; and the identification of hierarchical and authoritarian leadership as a barrier to midwives' participation in decision‐making highlights the need for transformational leadership styles to empower midwives. Overall, the findings of this study can inform maternity care policy as well as resource development, education and professional training in the field of midwifery.