Dear Ijeawele - Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Ever since I came across her TED talk on the danger of a single story, I fell in love with her witty genius mind. I started looking to read her and a few copies down the line, I can tell you for free that Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is a force to reckon with.

The danger of a single story...

She is a black unapologetic Nigerian book writer who dared to be something Africa rarely breeds... A vocal feminist. At 41 years old, Chimamanda has constantly stirred the suffocating stillness of African 'traditions' with her bold statements. Statements that have seen her crucified (not that she gives a damn) and also quoted by equally daring women internationally.

Like when Beyonce sampled her thoughts in her song 'Flawless' which was released December 2013.

With all that and many other factors in mind, I am a huge fan. I have read her first novel, 'Purple Hibiscus' twice now, Americanah, watched each and every lecture she has ever given... and currently, I am reading her latest feminist letter to her childhood friend dubbed 'Dear Ijeawele' or A Feminist Manifesto in Fifteen Suggestions'.

The eighty paged epistolary book covers her 'ideas' on how to raise a 'feminist daughter' in response to what her friend had asked. It is a breath of sunshine, according to me and my understanding of the oppressive traditions in place. A read I can gladly recommend to anyone raising a girlchild in similar environment anywhere in the world.

I will definitely post my 'review' of the contents in the book but I thought why not start with what's on the back cover of this small but powerful book to help you get a feel of what I am praising.

From the best-selling author of Americanah and We Should All Be Feminists, suggestions on how to raise a feminist daughter today, written from one friend to another...

~Teach her self-reliance. Tell her it is important to be able to do for herself and fend for herself.

~Teach her to love books.

~Teach her to ask questions. "Because you are a girl" is never a reason for anything. EVER.

~Feminism and feminity are not mutually exclusive.

~Never speak of marriage as an achievement.

~Love is the most important thing in life. Romance will happen, so be on board.

~Teach her about the difference... Make difference ordinary.

~Teach her about privilege and inequality and the importance of giving dignity to everyone.

**~Measure her on a scale of being the best version of herself. **

~Give her the sense of identity. It matters.

May her life be whatever she wants it to be...

To be continued... Share your thoughts as I dive in!

Thank you for coming.

Also shared on my whaleshares.