Renowned Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has opened up about her parenting philosophy, emphasizing her commitment to raising sons who respect women and reject entitlement to their bodies.
In a revealing interview with BBC’s Emma Barnett, Adichie, 47, spoke passionately about tackling toxic masculinity and the crucial role parents play in shaping future generations.
“I’m determined to raise good men,” she stated. “I want to ensure they never feel entitled to women’s bodies.”
Adichie, who welcomed twin boys last year but kept the news private until last month, expressed concern over the lack of positive male role models in today’s society.
“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,” she noted. “That space is instead occupied by noxious characters and ideas. I wish the good men would stand up.”
The award-winning writer, known for her feminist advocacy through works like We Should All Be Feminists, believes that masculinity must evolve to align with gender equality.
“Culture doesn’t make us, we make culture,” she said. “We can remake masculinity in a way that is compatible with equality. It can be done.”
Adichie’s latest book, Dream Count, was released on March 4, 2025.
She also revealed that motherhood had temporarily impacted her creative process.
“I don’t like to use the expression ‘writer’s block’ because I’m superstitious, but it happened when I became pregnant,” she admitted. “Something changed, and I don’t think it was just physiological.”
