The Depiction of Women in Igbo Proverbs: Far from the “Negative” Crowd
Conference: The 23rd Annual International Conference of the Igbo Studies Association (ISA) (2026)
Presenter(s): Ujubonu J. Okide
Presentation Date: May 14, 2026 @ 15:20 PM
Tags: Nigeria University of Lagos Lagos
Abstract
In patriarchal societies all over the world, including Africa, men exercise control over women and dominate/relegate them in so many ways, as seen in myth, folklore, and proverbs. Quite a good number of research studies have been carried out in the subjugation of women in proverbs in Igbo. However, little or no attention has been paid to the positive portrayal of women in Igbo proverbs. As a result, the present study examines the various ways women have been valorized in Igbo proverbs. Data for the study were pooled mainly from a collection of proverbs by Ihebie (2006) and partly from the researcher’s repertoire of proverbs. The result shows that, contrary to the opinion of previous researchers, there is a preponderance of proverbs in Igbo used to appraise women positively. The study found five categories of proverbs that show that women are valued in Igbo society. Women are judged to be good homemakers, enterprising, strong, rational, and beautiful/desirable. The study admits that while women have negative qualities, they also have positive qualities, all of which are reflected in proverbs. Consequently, it is not proper to project only negative attributes without also projecting positive ones. Igbo proverb is a repository of knowledge, providing a realistic and holistic account of the female experience in a way that exposes their weaknesses and eulogizes their strengths.
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