Gender differences portrayed in Sabiny proverbs
Abstract
This study focuses on the gender differences portrayed in the Sabiny selected proverbs. It was
conducted in Kabei sub county Bukwo district, Sebei region in the Eastern part of Uganda. The
study applied the qualitative method of research whereby a respondent from Bukwo presented a
list of proverbs with gender aspects in each. The proverbs were then analyzed for the gender
difference in each of them and in the process, it was established that women are inferior in
society whereas men are the superior beings more respected compared to women. Mr. Kipsiro
who was a respondent also found that women are home makers whereas men oversee the affairs
of the home; girls are more valued in terms of wealth they contribute to their families through
pride price while boys provide security in the family. In this study also, the most outstanding
difference between men and women in society is that men are regarded as naturally wise and
reasonable human beings, women on the other hand are considered unreasonable. Proverbs
therefore are one of the most important forms of oral literatures that communicate much about
gender differences and other aspects about the Sabiny people and their culture.