The award winning Nigerian Writer, Chimamanda Adichie has express her commitment to raising her sons with principles that promote gender equality and respect for women. Speaking in an interview with BBC’s Emma Barnett published on Wednesday via YouTube, Adichie addressed concerns about toxic masculinity and the role parents play in shaping future generations. “I’m determined to raise good men. I’m thinking about how to make them never feel entitled to women’s bodies,” she said.
Adichie stressed the need for boys to have positive role models, pointing out that while young girls today have strong female figures to look up to, boys often lack the same.
“In general, little girls now have women in public life they can admire. But I don’t think boys have that in the same way. That space is instead occupied by noxious characters and ideas. I wish the good men would stand up,” she said.
The 47-year-old Feminist Activist widely known for her feminist advocacy through works such as We Should All Be Feminists, believes masculinity should evolve to align with equality.
“Culture doesn’t make us, we make culture. We can remake masculinity in a way that is compatible with equality. It can be done,” she said.
Speaking further, the activist said that beyond masculinity, she also reflected on the impact of motherhood on her life and creativity. She admitted that becoming a mother influenced her writing process and, at one point, led to a creative block.
“I don’t like to use the expression ‘writer’s block’ because I’m superstitious, but it happened when I became pregnant. Something changed, and I don’t think it was just physiological,” she stated.
Adichie’s latest book, which was released on March 4, 2025, titled “Dream Count”, delves into women’s lives and experiences, tackling themes such as gender, race, and health with what she calls “radical honesty.”