It was always the best way of finding out information; just go and ask a woman who keeps her eyes and ears open and who likes to talk. It always worked. It was no use asking men; they simply were not interested enough in other people and the ordinary doings of people. That is why the real historians of Africa had always been the grandmothers, who remembered the lineage and the stories that went with it.
The quote highlights the importance of women's perspectives in gathering information, particularly regarding their roles as custodians of history. The speaker emphasizes that women, who are often more observant and engaged, excel at sharing knowledge about everyday events and people's lives. In contrast, the speaker criticizes men for their lack of interest in the lives of others, suggesting that this disconnect limits their understanding of social dynamics.
Furthermore, the quote advocates for the recognition of grandmothers as vital historians within African cultures. Their capacity to recall family lineages and narratives renders them essential in preserving and transmitting cultural heritage. This underscores the notion that oral tradition and personal memory play crucial roles in maintaining histories that official records may overlook.