Renowned novelist Chimamanda Adichie on Friday said she did not expect she would someday be an advocate of feminism.
The Purple Hibiscus writer, who is one of the leading feminists in the world, said her motivation simply emanated from how women were oppressed in the society.
While delivering her keynote speech at the 21st WIMBIZ annual conference, Chimamanda further decried the pressure society imposes on women who marry late, do not have children, or leave an abusive marriage.
She said such women are supposed to be applauded and comforted after surviving years of pain and enduring suffering.
“I did not set out to be a feminist icon, but I cannot stand the way women are been abused in society and I feel like I have a platform that can make a difference, no matter how little,” said Chimamanda.
“A woman gathers the courage to leave an abusive marriage, and instead of being comforted and cared for, she’s being oppressed and insulted, even by fellow women. We need to change the narrative.
“People don’t need to like you for the stand you take, all that matters is that you can sleep well at night, knowing that you have done and have said the right thing.”
Chimamanda further said the judgement from society only choked the greatness that women carry. She also urged women to support each other genuinely.
“If you’re so judged and oppressed as a woman, you can’t conquer the world and be the best you can be,” she added.
