Renowned author Chimamanda Adichie has reaffirmed her commitment to raising her twin sons with values that promote gender equality and respect for women.
Speaking in a recent interview with BBC’s Emma Barnett, published on 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 stated.
The We Should All Be Feminists author emphasized the importance of positive role models for boys, noting 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.
Adichie, a vocal advocate for gender equality, argued that masculinity should evolve to align with modern principles of fairness and respect.
“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 added.
Beyond discussions on masculinity, the award-winning writer reflected on how motherhood has influenced her creativity.
She admitted that becoming a mother impacted her writing process and even 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 said.
Adichie’s latest novel, Dream Count, marks her return to fiction after more than a decade.
The book explores the lives of women, delving into themes such as gender, race and health with what she describes as “radical honesty.”
The 47-year-old recently revealed that she welcomed twin boys in 2024 but chose to keep their birth private to protect her family’s privacy.
