Infidelity threatening family unit

The First Lady of Zimbabwe, Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa, has launched the Afrikana Family Humanism Programme, aimed at tackling the root causes of infidelity, gender-based violence, and marital breakdowns across the nation. The initiative provides a platform for men and women to openly discuss challenges in their relationships and find solutions to restore harmony in families.

The programme, which recently engaged participants from Matabeleland North, Matabeleland South, and Bulawayo provinces, highlighted harrowing testimonies of women pushed to infidelity due to neglect, emotional abuse, and a lack of intimacy in their marriages.
Women Speak Out

Ms. Thembi Moyo (not her real name), one of the participants, shared her painful journey, explaining how her husband's constant denial of conjugal rights and violent behavior drove her to seek affection elsewhere.

"We try to look good and do our best for our husbands, but sometimes they fail us by not providing the love we deserve. They come home intoxicated and violent. Over time, we feel neglected and look for love elsewhere, even though we know it's wrong," she said.

Other women echoed her sentiments, expressing how years of emotional and physical neglect have left them vulnerable.

"We are young women, and we want to enjoy intimacy with our husbands, but many of them come home too drunk or indifferent. We try to initiate intimacy by cooking their favorite meals or dressing well, but they ignore us. After some time, we give in to pressure and seek it elsewhere," said another participant.
Men's Perspectives

The First Lady also held a parallel session with men, where participants admitted to shortcomings in their roles as husbands. One male representative called for mutual respect, urging women to be kinder in their approach while acknowledging men's tendency to stray.

"Sometimes we feel disrespected at home, but we admit that we also make mistakes. Hubenzi wedu ndewekuti hatigutsikani (our foolishness lies in not being satisfied). We need to support each other to avoid infidelity and rebuild our families," he said.
First Lady's Call for Unity

Addressing both men and women, Dr. Mnangagwa emphasized the importance of communication and mutual respect in marriages.

"Our families are the backbone of our society. It is our duty to ensure they remain strong and nurturing. Infidelity and violence destroy families and leave children vulnerable," she said.

She urged couples to embrace dialogue, rebuild trust, and uphold traditional values that promote the sanctity of marriage.

Dr. Mnangagwa also warned against the dangers of infidelity, including the spread of diseases and the breakdown of family structures. She encouraged parents to lead by example, teaching their children values of love, respect, and Ubuntu/hunhu.
Support for the Community

Through her Angel of Hope Foundation, the First Lady provided food hampers to elderly participants and distributed 30 tonnes of wheat, with allocations made to the three provinces as well as Khami Prison, children's homes, and orphanages.

The Afrikana Family Humanism Programme is a significant step towards addressing the rising divorce rates and family breakdowns in Zimbabwe, as Dr. Mnangagwa continues her efforts to promote strong, united families as the cornerstone of society.