Author: Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Genre: Feminism, Essay, Women, Gender
Rating: 5/5
Verdict: A delightful read. I've never read anything better on feminism and gender equality.
Over the years, I have come across so many speeches/essays and talks on feminism and I have hated it every time. The word "feminism" has been so overloaded and misused totally out of context on multiple occasions so I have always been wary of anyone who calls themselves a feminist and that is precisely why I have put off reading this for a long time. But Adichie's essay on this subject is simply brilliant, the best I have ever read on feminism. It is a very crisp, accurate piece of writing.
This woman, Adichie is a hero! She talks about her youth growing up in Nigeria and the gender discrimination just sprinkled casually in every day encounters and it is not specific to just Africa. It sounded too familiar and resonated with me growing up in a patriarchal society in India. While growing up, I didn't realize the patriarchy surrounding me everywhere in my own home and outside. When I think back and reflect on it now, it makes me very angry but I do not want to be the stereotypical angry feminist. I want to make changes wherever possible and make this world a better place for my kids and the next generation. Throughout the read, I found myself nodding along vigorously with Adichie. It is a strong reminder to me to raise my son as much as a feminist as my daughter.
This is a very sharp, convincing, focused and fantastic essay and Adichie does it with such ease without being too preachy or angry. I loved it.
