11/10/2025
Yorùbá Proverb:
“Ọpẹ l’obìnrin — gbogbo ẹni bá ní ìgbà ni í gún; àgbàdo l’obìnrin — gbogbo ẹni bá ní ẹ̀yìn ni í bó jẹ.”
Literal Meaning:
A woman is like a palm tree — anyone who has a climbing belt (ìgbà) can climb her.
She’s also like a corn plant — anyone who has teeth can eat her.
Deep Meaning:
This proverb carries a strong warning about self-respect and discipline.
It means that when a woman (or anyone, male or female) becomes too accessible or careless with their value, anyone who has a little opportunity will take advantage.
It’s also used more broadly in Yoruba culture to mean:
> “If you don’t protect your worth, the world will use you carelessly.”
🌴 A palm tree doesn’t refuse a climber — anyone with a belt can climb.
🌽 Don’t be too available; your value lies in your restraint. 💭
