By Ikupolusi Ariyike
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Dear Ijeawele, A Feminist Manifesto in Fifteen Suggestions is a concise yet powerful guide to raising a feminist child. Written as a letter to a friend seeking advice on how to raise her daughter, Adichie expands on the themes of gender equality, self-worth, and independence that she first explored in “We Should All Be Feminists”.
Strengths of the Book
- Practical and Direct Advice: Adichie’s fifteen suggestions are straightforward and actionable, covering topics such as rejecting traditional gender roles, encouraging independence, and fostering a love for reading. Her advice is rooted in real-life application rather than abstract theory.
- Cultural Relevance: Adichie addresses feminism from an African perspective, challenging both Western and Nigerian societal norms. She critiques the idea that feminism is “un-African” and emphasizes that equality should be universal.
- Engaging and Accessible: The book is written in Adichie’s signature conversational style, making complex ideas easy to grasp. It’s a quick read but leaves a lasting impact.
- Emphasis on Personal Agency: One of the book’s strongest points is its focus on teaching girls to be self-reliant and to question societal expectations. Adichie encourages parents to raise children who think critically about gender roles rather than passively accepting them.
Potential Criticisms
- Brevity: Some readers may wish for deeper exploration of certain points, as the book feels more like an extended essay than a full-length manifesto.
- Assumed Privilege: A few suggestions (like travel and reading diverse books) may not be feasible for all economic backgrounds, though Adichie’s core principles remain broadly applicable.
