Absent Fathers, Absent Husbands and the Plight of Families Left behind

Chamunogwa Nyoni, Bindura University of Science Education
Francis Jaji, Bindura University of Science Education
Dagobert Mureriwa, Bindura University of Science Education
Dorcas Zuvalinyenga, Bindura University of Science Education

Fathers are critical in the upbringing of children. This research investigated absent fathers and or absent husbands and the challenges faced by families of these migrant workers who spend a lot of time away from home in Mberengwa Zimbabwe. In-depth interviews and questionnaires were used to gather information. Results established that the absence of fathers for prolonged periods had profound effects on the well-being of the family. General moral decadence among family members as well as youth delinquency was very rife. Young wives left behind by migrants engaged in extra marital affairs as they could not stand the long period of their partners’ absence. The research further recommends that the extended family be rekindled to ensure every child is every individual parent’s responsibility.