Online Reporter
Online Reporter
A SIGNIFICANT number of divorce cases in Zimbabwe are widely believed to stem from economic hardships, infidelity and domestic abuse.
Local marriage experts highlight high poverty levels, unemployment and financial strain as major factors fuelling separation among couples.
Zimbabwe is grappling with rising divorce rates.
Visiting American marriage experts Tony and Alisa DiLorenzo argue that the institution of marriage requires deeper understanding from both partners if it is to remain strong and endure the test of time.
The couple, in Zimbabwe for a series of free marriage sessions sponsored by ZimWorX, acknowledge that financial stability plays a critical role in bonding couples.
However, they emphasise that money is not the only pillar of a healthy relationship.
“Finances are something couples should discuss before marriage, because your upbringing and beliefs around money enter the relationship and begin to show from day one,” Alisa explained.
The conference, themed “One Extraordinary Marriage – The Africa Tour”, saw Alisa sharing how a US$50 000 debt early in their marriage nearly led to separation due to secrecy and lack of communication.
“We did not talk about money and it nearly broke us. The key is to replace silence with small, consistent conversations,” she said during a dinner session at Zimbali Gardens.
Married for more than three decades, the DiLorenzos shared the struggles they have faced and how they overcame them.
They are acclaimed authors of “The Six Pillars of Intimacy: The Secret to an Extraordinary Marriage” and hosts of the globally recognised “One Extraordinary Marriage Show,” a weekly podcast dedicated to strengthening communication, building trust and fostering intimacy.
What they term the six pillars of intimacy — emotional, physical, financial, spiritual, recreational, and sexual — are presented throughout the seminars as practical tools to help couples strengthen their relationships.
The DiLorenzos aim to deliver sessions that strengthen marriages, prepare singles for meaningful relationships and promote holistic family wellness.
Their framework, developed through years of research, challenges narrow societal definitions of marriage and intimacy.
“Society has hijacked the word intimacy. True intimacy is closeness and connection, not just sex. Excellence in marriage is not perfection; it is consistency. Financial honesty removes fear, while spiritual unity strengthens direction. In the private space of marriage, intimacy becomes a language of trust, respect and shared desire,” Alisa said.
Tony shared his sentiments.
“When we started in 2010, Africa — Zimbabwe in particular — was among the first to reach out to us. It has been amazing to come here and share the six pillars of intimacy. The framework helps couples identify cracks in their marriage.”
“Marriage does not fail from lack of love; it fails from lack of skills. When these pillars are aligned, marriage becomes intentional, not accidental.”
Blessing Makwara, ZimWorX philanthropy lead, said the programme was carefully designed to promote healthy marriages, aligning with their broader wellness agenda.
Recognising that a strong nation begins with a strong home, the organisation has launched a major initiative to invest in the marital health of its staff.
“We are concerned about the wellness of team members — at work, at home and in society. Strong families build strong communities and ultimately a strong nation,” he said.
Makwara believes this initiative will have a far-reaching positive impact on the nation’s social fabric.
