A gendered approach to Tshivenda proverbial expressions

Abstract

This article explores the subject of gender inequalities as reflected in some Tshivenda proverbs. It seeks to analyse the approach used in the crafting and interpretations of some of the Vhavenḓa proverbial expressions.Proverbs which seemed to be gender-biased in their coinage and figurative interpretations were collected from secondary sources. Textual analysis methodology was used to analyse the collected proverbs. The paper theoretically uses Afrocentric and postcolonial African feminism to discuss the gendered approach to Tshivenda proverbial expressions. The findings revealed that most Tshivenda proverbs are tilted in favour of men and to the disadvantage of women. They afford unequal treatment to men and women in various spheres of life. This suggests that, in the main, Tshivenda proverbs were crafted by men. This paper recommends that the gender-biased Tshivenda proverbs should be amended for the purposes of bringing them in line with the equality provisions of the Constitution (Act 108 of 1996).