African proverbs, passed down through generations, offer profound insights into the continent's diverse cultures, rich histories, and unique worldviews. African history and culture is rooted in oral tradition and storytelling. While there are an incredible plethora of cultures across the continent, something they all have in common is the gift of a wise tale. Proverbs are the delicious nuggets plucked from the full meal of a great story that Africa has to tell.
Knowledge has been passed from generation to generation throughout the continent for centuries to help people navigate life’s challenges and triumphs. It is done not only with purpose, but with an undeniable beauty and flair. That is why there exists an old African proverb that equates the death of an old man to the burning of a library - the wisdom he acquired from his forefathers, and his own lived experience goes with him.
They encapsulate wisdom, morality, and life lessons. However, a closer examination of these proverbs from a feminist perspective reveals a striking gender bias. In this article, we will critically analyze the maleness inherent in many African proverbs and explore why inclusive language is of paramount importance. We will also discuss what can be done to promote gender equality and empowerment in the context of these ancient sayings.
African Proverbs: A Cultural Lens
African proverbs are a testament to the multifaceted tapestry of the continent's cultural traditions. They have been used to transmit values, customs, and ethical guidelines for centuries. From the Ashanti people in West Africa to the Zulu in the South, each community's proverbs reflect its unique experiences and philosophies.
However, many of these proverbs reinforce traditional gender roles, emphasizing the importance of males and male characteristics. Proverbs like "The old woman is the best food cooker" or "A man's word is like a drum, it follows you wherever you go" are examples of this gendered perspective. Such proverbs suggest that women are valued primarily for their domestic roles, while men are celebrated for their agency and influence.
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Feminist Critique of African Proverbs
A feminist perspective on African proverbs allows us to question the inherent bias present in these sayings. This bias often perpetuates harmful stereotypes and limits women's roles and aspirations in society. Proverbs that focus on a woman's cooking skills or her subservient role in the family send the message that her value lies solely in domesticity. This narrow perception of women's capabilities disregards their potential contributions to other spheres of life.
It is essential to recognize that these proverbs are not static; they evolve with society. Through a feminist lens, we can reevaluate these proverbs and inspire a reimagining of gender roles. We must challenge the limitations imposed by these sayings and advocate for gender equality.
The Imperative of Inclusive Language
Inclusive language is a powerful tool to promote gender equality. By using language that recognizes and respects all genders, we can challenge harmful stereotypes and foster a more equitable society. Inclusive language acknowledges the diverse experiences and identities of individuals, highlighting that no gender is inherently superior or inferior.
When addressing the issue of gender bias in African proverbs, one crucial step is to reframe these sayings in a more inclusive manner. For example, instead of saying, "The old woman is the best food cooker," we can rephrase it as "The experienced cook excels in her culinary skills." This change not only eliminates gender bias but also emphasizes the importance of skills and experience rather than gender.
What Can We Do?
To address the gender bias in African proverbs, several actions can be taken:
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- Raise Awareness: Start conversations within communities about the gender bias in traditional proverbs and their impact on women's lives.
- Encourage Rewriting: Collaborate with writers and scholars to rewrite and reinterpret proverbs from a feminist perspective. Create alternative proverbs that promote gender equality and challenge traditional gender roles.
- Promote Education: Introduce revised proverbs in educational curricula to empower future generations with more inclusive and equitable perspectives.
- Celebrate Gender Diversity: Embrace and celebrate the diverse identities and experiences of all individuals within African communities, acknowledging that women can excel in various roles beyond traditional domesticity.
Examples of African Proverbs
Here are some African proverbs about women, showcasing both traditional views and the potential for reinterpretation:
| Proverb | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| If men swear that they want to harm you when you are asleep, you can go to sleep. If women say so, stay awake. | Reflects a historical mistrust of women, suggesting they are more likely to act on their anger. |
| A woman can hide her love for 40 years, but her disgust and anger not for one day. | Implies women are less able to control their negative emotions. |
| A home without a woman is like a barn without cattle. | Highlights the importance of women in the household, but also equates them to property. |
| A woman is a flower in a garden; her husband is the fence around it. | Suggests women need protection and are decorative, reinforcing traditional gender roles. |
| You are beautiful, but learn to work, for you cannot eat your beauty. | Emphasizes the importance of women being productive and not relying solely on their looks. |
Here are just a few of the African adages and their meanings that every Global Citizen should know, to help empower you on the mission to defend the planet, demand equity, and defeat poverty.
- A Woman Holds the Knife at the Sharp End
There is a saying that derives from the Sotho diaspora of South Africa’s 11 official languages, “Mosadi o tshwara thipa ka bogaleng”, which loosely translates to “a woman holds the knife at the sharp end”. Given the hardships that women and girls have to face in their lifetime - everything from period poverty and gender-based violence, to higher levels of unemployment and the burden of unpaid care work - such an idiom could not be more fitting.
This proverb serves as an important reminder that we still have a long way to go to ensure the safety, dignity, and equality of women and girls around the world.
- There Is No Beauty But the Beauty of Action
A simple yet powerful Moroccan proverb that reads, “there is no beauty but the beauty of action” is one we're sure will resonate with Global Citizens everywhere. Thoughts and words may be enticing but it is our actions that hold the real reward. Our actions have the power to change the world around us and inspire others in our lives to get up and take action too.
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- A Tree Is Bent While It Is Still Wet
From the Southern Bantu language isiZulu comes a saying “Umuthi ugotshwa usemanzi” which translates to “a tree is bent while it is still wet”. The meaning of this proverb is that wisdom and behavioural influences are instilled when a person is still young.
If we intend to create thought leaders, action-takers, and change-makers, we need to make sure that we teach our children and the next generation the significance of what it means to have the future in their hands while they are still young, to empower them to become the next generation of world leaders.
- A Chattering Bird Builds No Nest
Similar to the Moroccan proverb above, this proverb that is largely used by Cameroonians and Ugandans seeks to tell the listener that they should stop talking about what they want to do and actually do it.
- Hands Wash Each Other
This proverb speaks to how the systems of life work. From the isiZulu saying, “Izandla ziyagezana” meaning “hands wash each other”, we know that we are here, on this planet, to help each other, and build each other up.
If we help our neighbour, we are actually helping ourselves in the long run. No one exists in a vacuum.
- A Person Is a Person Because of Other People
There’s many ways to say it: “Motho ke motho ka batho” in seSotho, or “Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu” in isiZulu - this phrase roughly translate to “A person is a person because of other people”, or "I am, because you are." This proverb is the bedrock of South Africa’s society, which is rooted in community.
Africans have the spirit of Ubuntu without having to try, it is part of who we have always been, and the acknowledgement of the fact that we are a product of each other’s actions and decisions. Ubuntu is a reflection of what it takes to live in true unity, and explores what it means to work, live, and thrive together.
- You Strike a Woman, You Strike a Rock
This is an adage born during South Africa’s apartheid era, that speaks to to the contribution that women had in fighting against oppression. “Wathinta abafazi, wathinta imbokodo,” which translates from isiZulu to mean “You strike a woman, you strike a rock”.
As well as encapsulating women's strength, this proverb is very telling of how women are the backbone of any society.
- The Child Who Is Not Embraced by the Village Will Burn It Down to Feel Its Warmth
There is a popular and widely-known African proverb that states “It takes a village to raise a child”.
African proverbs are a treasure trove of cultural wisdom, but they are not immune to the biases of their time. A feminist critique of these proverbs unveils the underlying gender bias that perpetuates traditional gender roles. To foster gender equality and empowerment, it is crucial to adopt inclusive language and challenge the status quo. By rewriting and reinterpreting these proverbs and educating the younger generation, we can create a more equitable and inclusive society where women are valued for their diverse contributions. African proverbs can continue to guide us, but they must evolve to reflect the evolving and more inclusive world in which we live.
