Dissertation Final Div
Dissertation Final Div
Quick Submit
Document Details
Submission ID
trn:oid:::1:3257927622 36 Pages
Download Date
File Name
Dissertation_final_div.pdf
File Size
325.4 KB
3% Overall Similarity
The combined total of all matches, including overlapping sources, for each database.
Quoted Text
0 Missing Citation 0%
Matches that have quotation marks, but no in-text citation
Integrity Flags
0 Integrity Flags for Review
Our system's algorithms look deeply at a document for any inconsistencies that
No suspicious text manipulations found. would set it apart from a normal submission. If we notice something strange, we flag
it for you to review.
0 Missing Citation 0%
Matches that have quotation marks, but no in-text citation
Top Sources
The sources with the highest number of matches within the submission. Overlapping sources will not be displayed.
1 Student papers
2 Internet
www.languageinindia.com <1%
3 Student papers
4 Internet
api.datacite.org <1%
5 Internet
matheo.uliege.be <1%
6 Student papers
7 Student papers
8 Student papers
9 Student papers
10 Internet
bookriot.com <1%
11 Student papers
TITLE
ABSTRACT
3 Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s We Should All Be Feminists and Dear Ijeawele: A Feminist
stereotypes, inequality, and consequences of patriarchy through the personal experiences of the
understanding of feminism and imbalances in power structure of the society. This paper
examines and analyses Adichie’s views on traditional gender norms that are shaped by culture,
critique and accessible rhetoric, Adichie presents a vision of feminism that calls for unlearning
of gender roles and fostering a renewed understanding of gender for both women and men.
Rooted in feminist and postcolonial frameworks, this study explores the texts as feminist
interventions that both challenge patriarchal constructs and propose reimagined models of
gender socialisation, especially within African and global context. In conclusion, this research
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
Gender is not merely a biological or social designation; it is a deeply ingrained cultural script
that informs how individuals are perceived, treated, and expected to behave within society.
From birth, individuals are sorted into gendered categories that often prescribe roles,
limitations, and expectations many of which persist throughout a lifetime. These roles, rather
than being natural or inevitable, are frequently reinforced by cultural practices, institutional
contexts such as Nigeria, these gender roles are not only entrenched but also weaponized against
women, relegating them to subordinate statuses and denying them full social and political
In this regard, feminist theory has been instrumental in challenging the naturalization of gender
exposing the ways in which patriarchal societies maintain control through the enforcement of
binary gender norms. The concept of “unlearning gender” becomes crucial in feminist
discourse, as it calls for a radical re-evaluation of internalized stereotypes and the dismantling
of the rigid frameworks that sustain gender-based hierarchies. It is within this discursive terrain
that Nigerian writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has emerged as a significant voice. Through
1 her works, particularly We Should All Be Feminists (2014) and Dear Ijeawele: A Feminist
Manifesto in Fifteen Suggestions (2017), Adichie interrogates the cultural, social, and linguistic
constructs that perpetuate gender inequality and calls for a new feminist consciousness rooted
This dissertation engages with the feminist interventions of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie,
focusing on her works that are significant treaties that challenges the status quo and advocate
for the reimagining and indeed, unlearning of gender as a rigid, deterministic framework. While
this study recognizes the critical importance of Adichie’s contributions to feminist thought, it
also subjects her ideas to further philosophical scrutiny. In particular, the research explores the
tensions within her conceptualization of equality, equity, and the distribution of gendered roles.
Although Adichie’s works offer a powerful critique of misogyny and gender injustice, this
concerning the feasibility and implications of achieving true gender parity in patriarchal
systems.
CONTEXT
The intersection of gender and literature in African context presents unique opportunities and
challenges for feminist critique. African literature has long been a site for the articulation of
identity, resistance, and cultural memory. However, it has also often mirrored the patriarchal
biases of the societies it represents. From canonical male writers who reinscribe traditional
gender hierarchies to female writers who have had to carve space for alternative narratives,
African literary discourse has undergone significant evolution in its engagement with gender.
Within Nigerian literature, gender roles have historically been portrayed in ways that reinforced
domesticity, silence, and submission as desirable traits in women. The woman is often depicted
as mother, wife, caregiver, or moral anchor; a set of roles that while significant, also serve to
constrain female subjectivity. Feminist writers such Buchi Emecheta, Flora Nwapa, and more
recently Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, have challenged this narrow representation by writing
women as complex, autonomous, and resistant figures. What distinguishes Adichie’s feminist
nonfiction, however, is its strategic clarity and accessibility. Rather than presenting feminism
in academic or abstract terms, Adichie engages her audience through personal narrative, cultural
critique, and direct address approach that make her feminist message more impactful across
Her work in We Should All Be Feminists adapted from her widely viewed TEDx talk, has been
beyond. Dear Ijeawele, a letter to a friend seeking advice on how to raise a feminist daughter,
builds on this foundation by offering a set of practical suggestions that function as both cultural
critique and manifesto. Both texts challenge readers to interrogate the normalcy of gender roles
The idea of “unlearning” gender resonates with poststructuralist and postcolonial feminist
theories that view gender as performative and contingent rather than fixed and essential. Judith
9 Butler, in her foundational work Gender Trouble, argues that gender is not something one is,
but something one does; a series of acts that are repeated and socially regulated. This insight
underscores the notion that gender can be “unlearned” or reconstructed through new
In an African feminist framework, the project of unlearning gender also involves engaging with
the specificities of African histories, culture, and identities. Scholars such as Oyeronke
11 Oyewumi and Ifi Amadiume have critiques the imposition of Western gender binaries on
African societies, arguing that precolonial African culture often recognized more fluid and
complementary gender roles. For these scholars, the feminist struggle in Africa must therefore
account for both indigenous epistemologies and the lingering effects of colonial gender
constructs.
Adichie's intervention can be read as a hybrid feminist discourse that acknowledges this
complexity. She is unflinching in her critique of the gendered violence and oppression that
women face in contemporary Nigeria society, from sexist education and economic
disenfranchisement to the policing of women’s appearance and behavior. Yet, her feminism is
also intentionally inclusive and pragmatic. She seeks not only to name the structures of
oppression but to imagine how they might be undone through conscious socialization,
Despite decades of feminist scholarship and activism, gender stereotypes continue to limit
women’s potential and perpetuate inequality in many spheres of life. In African societies like
Nigeria, cultural norms and patriarchal traditions often resist feminist interventions, dismissing
them as foreign, radical, or subversive. This resistance contributes to a culture in which women
are taught to shrink themselves, defer to male authority, and accept their marginalization as a
fact of life. The problem, therefore, is not only structural but also epistemological: how can
societies unlearn the myths and narratives that justify gender inequality?
This study posits that literature and particularly feminist nonfiction, plays a crucial role in
challenging and reimagining gender norms. By foregrounding Adichie’s works, this dissertation
examines how feminist literature can serve as a pedagogical tool for unlearning harmful
stereotypes and cultivating more equitable gender relations. It also investigates the limitations
The primary objective of this dissertation is to critically examine how Chimamanda Ngozi
Adichie deconstructs, and challenges entrenched gender stereotypes through her works Dear
Ijeawele and We Should All Be Feminists. The study seeks to explore the ways in which Adichie
advocates for the unlearning of gender norms that perpetuate inequality and limit personal
identity and social roles, particularly for women. By interrogating the socio-cultural constructs
embedded within traditional gender roles, this research aims to reveal how Adichie presents
feminism as a necessary framework for both individual empowerment and collective societal
transformation.
In doing so, the study will focus on the representation of gender socialization, the transmission
of patriarchal values, and the author’s proposed strategies for raising feminist children and
fostering gender equity. Another key objective is to examine the rhetorical and narrative
techniques Adichie employs to reach a broad, global audience and how these contribute to the
accessibility and relevance of her feminist message. Finally, the study intends to situate
Adichie’s work within the broader context of contemporary African feminist discourse,
highlighting her contributions to the ongoing conversations around gender and identity.
METHODOLOGY
10 This research project undertakes a meticulous examination of We Should All Be Feminists and
theoretical and critical lenses to illuminate the intricate layers of meaning interwoven within
the text. Central to the investigation is the application of close reading and textual analysis,
which delves into the subtleties of the narrative, attending to the rhetorical, thematic, and
ideological strategies Adichie employes to challenge patriarchal norms and advocates for
gender equality.
Expanding upon this foundation, the analysis incorporates feminist and postcolonial
frameworks to unravel the intersectionality of gender, culture, and identity. It involves critical
analysis of the primary texts, highlighting Adichie’s engagement with prevailing gender
ideologies and her efforts to subvert them within both African and global contexts. The
principal texts underpinning this study will be critically supported by an extensive body of
secondary literature related to feminist theory and African literary studies. Foundational
theoretical insights will be drawn from the works of prominent scholars such as Judith Butler,
Simone de Beauvoir, and bell hooks. Furthermore, supplementary materials such as interviews,
public lectures, and commentaries by Adichie herself will be incorporated to provide a nuanced
This analytical process involves deconstructing gender assumptions embedded within the
societal structures portrayed in the texts, identifying the strategies Adichie uses to promote the
unlearning of ingrained gender norms, and examining the role of narrative voice, personal
experience, and cultural commentary in shaping her feminist discourse. The study aims to
critically examine the two aforementioned texts that challenges patriarchal norms, disrupt
conventional gender ideologies and redefines gender roles to provide a holistic understanding
RESEARCH GAP
5 Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s We Should All Be Feminists and Dear Ijeawele: A Feminist
Manifesto in Fifteen Suggestions have received considerable attention in feminist discourse for
their comprehensible language and popular appeal, however a noticeable gap remains in its
pedagogical analysis that closely examines these texts as deliberate efforts to challenge and
dismantle traditional gender roles and stereotypes, with a specific focus on their relevance
within African cultural contexts. Much of the existing literature tends to focus on Adichie’s role
in global feminist movements, often overlooking the nuanced ways through which she
questions the normalisation of patriarchal values through personal narrative, cultural critique,
While Western feminist theorists such as Judith Butler and bell hooks have laid critical
groundwork on gender performativity and structural inequality, their theories aren’t always
how feminist thought particularly as articulated and argued by African women writers like
Adichie, offers alternative frameworks for gender socialisation that respond to culturally
This study aims to fill these gaps by offering a detailed textual analysis of Adichie’s feminist
discourse, situating her work as a powerful site for disrupting gender norms and advancing a
model of feminist practice rooted in both personal experience and sociocultural critique.
OUTCOMES
Ijeawele and We Should All Be Feminists”, seeks to bridge these gaps and provide a deeper
patriarchal norms. Adichie not only critiques the normalisation of gender stereotypes but also
potential of feminist discourse to promote gender equality and unlearning of restrictive gender
Moreover, this dissertation highlights the importance of interpreting Adichie’s texts through the
lens of African cultural realities while acknowledging their wider global relevance. It
LITERATURE REVIEW
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s works, Dear Ijeawele and We Should All Be Feminists, serve as
reconsider and unlearn societal stereotypes. This literature review examines scholarly analyses
that engage with Adichie's feminist perspectives, focusing on the methodologies and theoretical
Feny Anggeria's study, Gender Representation of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie in We Should All
the transitivity system, to analyze the language used by Adichie. Anggeria's application of
Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) further illuminates how Adichie constructs gender identities
and power relations through discourse. By examining the transitivity choices in Adichie's
narrative, Anggeria reveals how agency and responsibility are attributed within gendered
contexts, highlighting the subtle mechanisms through which gender stereotypes are perpetuated
and challenged.
In her 2023 paper, Relevance of Adichie’s We Should All Be Feminists, Ms. Ruchna Jadhav
delves into Adichie's perspectives on gender stereotypes and the societal constructs that
perpetuate gender discrimination. Jadhav analyzes how Adichie critiques the cultural norms
that define and confine gender roles, emphasizing the impact of these stereotypes on individual
identity and societal structures. Through a close reading of Adichie's work, Jadhav underscores
Dr. Satish Dange's 2014 research, Redefining Feminism: Adichie’s We Should All Be Feminists,
hierarchies. Dange explores how Adichie redefines feminism, presenting it not as a radical
ideology but as a universal call for equality. By examining Adichie's personal experiences and
narratives, Dange illustrates how she challenges the conventional understanding of feminism
and advocates for a more inclusive and egalitarian approach to gender relations.
4 Sara Chisomaga-Emezi's 2020 study, The Influence of Adichie’s We Should All Be Feminists on
Adichie's work through the lens of R.W. Connell’s Theory of Gender and Power, the
highlights how Adichie's feminist manifesto influences the perceptions of university students
regarding gender dynamics and power structures. The study demonstrates the effectiveness of
Adichie's accessible narrative in reshaping attitudes towards gender equality among young
adults.
2 Sabri Mohamed's 2021 paper, *Raising a New Generation of Feminists: Gender and Social
Norms in Chimamanda Adichie’s Imitation and The Arrangers of Marriage, examines Adichie's
depiction of social norms that mislead the Nigerian community and expose persistent gender
issues. Drawing on Judith Butler’s Undoing Gender, Mohamed analyzes how Adichie's
narratives challenge traditional gender roles and advocate for the emergence of a new
generation of feminists within a more equitable and compassionate society. The study
A 2024 paper titled Culture Shaping Gender Inequalities: A Traverse Through Adichie’s We
Should All Be Feminists, explores Adichie’s unapologetic portrayal of the harsh realities of
gender inequality and disparity. The author examines how Adichie uses her narrative to critique
cultural practices that perpetuate gender-based discrimination. Through a detailed analysis, the
paper highlights how Adichie not only exposes systemic injustices but also reaffirms the true
The scholarly works reviewed herein collectively underscore Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's
methodological approaches, these studies illuminate how Adichie's writings serve as a catalyst
for rethinking and unlearning ingrained societal norms. As this dissertation progresses, it will
build upon these foundational analyses to further explore how Adichie's feminist discourse
disrupts traditional gender constructs and advocates for a more inclusive and equitable society.
CHAPTER 2
the cultural and social systems that shape and enforce gender roles. Her critique is grounded in
lived experience and is delivered with striking clarity and persuasive rhetoric. Adichie examines
how societies across the globe, but particularly in Nigeria, socialize individuals from a young
age into accepting deeply entrenched gender expectations. Through personal narratives and
broader cultural commentary, she exposes the mechanisms of gender inequality and encourages
readers to reflect on the ways in which they may unconsciously uphold these norms. This
patriarchal structures, her inclusive feminist vision, and the rhetorical tools she uses to make
Adichie begins her essay by recalling a formative encounter during her teenage years when a
male friend called her a feminist during a disagreement. At the time, she was unaware of the
full connotations of the word. She writes: “I decided to call myself a Happy Feminist. Then a
Feminist Who Likes Lip Gloss and Wears High Heels for Herself. Then a Happy Feminist Who
Does Not Hate Men” (We Should All Be Feminists, 2). This satirical evolution of her self-
Her account of being denied the role of class monitor in primary school, despite having the
highest academic score, offers a stark example of how gender roles are policed early in life.
The teacher told her the position must go to a boy because he had to “lead.” Adichie reflects:
“The teacher did not say I couldn’t be class monitor because I was not qualified, but because I
was female. This was the first time I became truly aware of gender” (5). This moment of
realization illustrates the insidious nature of social conditioning and how it limits aspirations
Additionally, Adichie scrutinizes the behavioral codes women are expected to follow. She
observes, “We teach girls to shrink themselves, to make themselves smaller. We say to girls:
‘You can have ambition, but not too much’” (9). These expectations silence female voices and
reinforce submission, implying that desirability and compliance are the most important traits a
woman can possess. Her personal examples and reflective tone make the critique both intimate
At the heart of Adichie’s essay is the dismantling of patriarchal constructs that impose unequal
standards on men and women. She argues that these norms do not only oppress women, they
also harm men by restricting their emotional expression and enforcing a rigid model of
masculinity. “We define masculinity in a very narrow way,” she writes. “Masculinity becomes
this hard, cold cage, and we put boys inside the cage” (14).
She critiques the cultural assumption that men must always be dominant, strong, and
emotionally detached. This results in what she describes as “fragile male egos,” which are
continuously fed and protected by patriarchal institutions. Meanwhile, women are socialized to
be agreeable, deferential, and ever conscious of male comfort. Adichie articulates this disparity
clearly: “We raise girls to see each other as competitors—not for jobs or for accomplishments,
which I think can be a good thing but for the attention of men” (16).
By juxtaposing the emotional suppression of men with the self-erasure of women, Adichie not
only exposes the dysfunction of patriarchal logic but also calls for a more humane, balanced
One of the most notable aspects of Adichie’s feminist approach is its inclusivity. She
“Some people ask: why the word feminist? Why not just say you are a believer in human
rights?” she writes. Her response is incisive: “Because that would be dishonest. Feminism is,
of course, part of human rights in general—but to choose to use the vague expression human
Through this perspective, Adichie makes a powerful case for naming and addressing the gender-
specific dynamics of oppression. Her feminism is not restricted to academic or elite circles; it
speaks to everyday experiences and is grounded in pragmatic awareness. She shares a revealing
anecdote where a parking attendant automatically thanks the man, she’s with instead of her,
even though she was the one who gave the tip. This moment, she explains, helped her friend
Adichie’s feminism invites both men and women to the conversation, urging them to recognize
how they have been shaped by limiting scripts and how they can work toward more equitable
interactions. Her assertion that “we should all be feminists” is not only a title but a rallying cry
Adichie’s rhetorical effectiveness lies in her ability to blend personal storytelling with humor,
irony, and a conversational tone. Her prose is direct yet nuanced, allowing her to address
weighty topics without alienating the reader. She writes not as a distant theorist, but as a peer;
Humor becomes a strategic device. For example, when discussing how women pretend to enjoy
cooking to be seen as good wives, she wryly notes: “We say to girls: ‘Cook—by age eight.’ And
then we say to boys: ‘You don’t need to cook.’ Then when the boy is twenty-six and he has not
learned to cook, we do nothing. We blame the woman for that” (22). This blend of irony and
satire highlights the absurdity of these double standards, while keeping the tone engaging. She
also makes powerful use of contrast and repetition. Her phrase, “We teach girls to...” appears
frequently, reinforcing the idea of deliberate and systemic conditioning. This rhythmic structure
echoes the repetitive nature of cultural indoctrination and creates a cumulative effect, driving
home her argument with increasing force. By using accessible language, Adichie removes the
academic gatekeeping often associated with feminist discourse. Her style invites readers from
all walks of life to engage with the ideas and, ultimately, to change.
equality that is at once deeply personal and profoundly political. Through vivid anecdotes, sharp
critique, and strategic rhetorical choices, she reveals how gender roles are socially constructed
and perpetuated through cultural norms. Her insistence on naming gender inequality, rather than
obscuring it under broader terms like "human rights," highlights her commitment to specificity
By inviting both men and women to participate in this transformation, Adichie’s feminism
transcends binaries and embraces humanity. As she powerfully states, “The problem with
gender is that it prescribes how we should be rather than recognizing how we are” (34). In doing
so, she not only disrupts stereotypes but also lays the groundwork for a more just and equitable
future.
CHAPTER 3
offers a deeply reflective and pragmatic guide for raising children, especially daughters, free
7 from the constraints of traditional gender roles. The text, framed as a letter to a childhood friend
seeking advice on how to raise her newborn daughter as a feminist, transcends the boundaries
inequality while affirming the possibility of raising individuals who defy its structures. Adichie
combines the warmth of friendship with sharp feminist critique, blending narrative, social
By exploring the literary form of the letter, the structure of the fifteen feminist suggestions, and
her cultural engagements, particularly with Nigerian society, this chapter examines how
Adichie destabilizes long-held gender expectations and provides a framework for inclusive,
The choice of a letter as the vehicle for Adichie’s manifesto is crucial to its impact. Epistolary
writing allows her to speak with personal warmth and moral urgency, making her feminist
philosophy accessible without being didactic. The opening of the letter: "Dear Ijeawele, what
joy your baby is here!" immediately signals intimacy and affection, setting a tone of mutual
trust and shared values (Adichie, 2017, 1). This emotional tone creates a unique space where
Adichie’s role oscillates between that of a friend, a mentor, and a teacher. She does not impose
a strict ideology but rather offers suggestions—firm, yet open to interpretation—thus modeling
feminist thinking as both assertive and flexible. Her tone remains pedagogical but never
condescending. In doing so, Adichie encourages not just blind adherence but critical
engagement. She writes, “Be deliberate about it. You cannot assume your daughter will simply
know; you have to tell her” (2). This advice exemplifies the way she turns personal
Adichie’s fifteen suggestions are a blueprint for feminist parenting. They cover a wide range of
themes: identity, domestic labor, language, marriage, and more—each grounded in the lived
realities of women. The format of the list itself is democratic, offering structure without rigidity.
It suggests that feminism, like parenting, requires intentionality, adaptation, and attentiveness.
Adichie’s opening suggestion emphasizes the importance of self-fulfillment and identity. She
urges her friend to remember that “your feminist premise should be: I matter. I matter equally.
Not ‘if only.’ Not ‘as long as.’ I matter equally. Full stop” (8). In asserting the primacy of one’s
full self, she dismantles the cultural expectation that women derive their worth solely from their
roles as mothers or wives. The underlying message is that a feminist mother must model
wholeness, ambition, and independence for her daughter, not sacrifice and self-negation.
2. “Do it together.”
Here, Adichie tackles the gendered division of labor within the household. She advocates for a
shared domestic responsibility between partners, warning against “the idea of ‘help’” as if
domestic duties belong to the woman by default and the man’s involvement is optional (12).
Instead, she writes, “Parenting is a joint venture,” calling for a conscious rejection of traditions
that place unequal burdens on women. This suggestion goes beyond chores—it is a demand for
Literacy, for Adichie, is not only a practical skill but a gateway to liberation. She states, “Books
will help her understand and question the world, help her express herself, and help her in
whatever she wants to become” (p. 24). Reading becomes an act of resistance against
intellectual complacency. In a world where female voices are often sidelined, fostering critical
and imaginative thought through literature empowers girls to craft their own narratives.
Language, Adichie asserts, is never neutral. It encodes societal assumptions and perpetuates
inequality. She cautions against terms like “Mrs.” that define a woman by her marital status and
terms like “pure” that reinforce harmful myths about female virtue (p. 28). “Language is the
repository of our prejudices, our beliefs, our assumptions,” she explains. Teaching a child to
Adichie critiques the social narrative that conditions girls to see marriage as the pinnacle of
success. She writes, “The pressure on women to marry causes them to make terrible choices.
The fear of being alone is a cause of many unhealthy relationships” (30). By framing marriage
as one possible life choice among many, Adichie liberates her reader from societal scripts and
Adichie’s work is firmly rooted in the sociocultural context of Nigeria, a society where
patriarchal structures are deeply ingrained in tradition. Rather than reject Nigerian culture
wholesale, she urges her readers to critically assess cultural norms. She writes, “Culture does
not make people. People make culture” (37). This declaration dismantles the static view of
culture as sacred and unchangeable. Instead, she presents culture as a dynamic human creation,
For instance, she highlights how Nigerian customs reinforce gender disparity, such as the
expectation that a woman must serve her husband food, regardless of circumstances. Yet, her
tone remains constructive: she envisions a culture reformed through feminist consciousness,
Adichie navigates the nuanced terrain between preserving cultural identity and pursuing
feminist reform. She does not suggest that embracing feminism means rejecting one’s heritage.
Rather, she promotes a reimagining of tradition through feminist ethics. In her words,
“Feminism and femininity are not mutually exclusive. It is misogynistic to suggest that they
are” (42). This reframing allows women to maintain cultural and personal expressions such as
She invites women to inhabit both worlds: to honor their heritage while transforming it. This
balance complicates the typical dichotomy between tradition and progress and reveals how
Dear Ijeawele is more than a letter, it is a radical feminist tool for transforming how we raise
the next generation. Through fifteen thoughtful, practical, and powerful suggestions, Adichie
not only critiques the gender norms embedded in cultural and domestic life but also offers
pathways for resistance. Her use of the epistolary form creates a space of intimacy and
solidarity, while her sharp analysis brings clarity to the often-overlooked ways gender
inequality is perpetuated.
By grounding her manifesto in the Nigerian context, Adichie affirms that feminism must be
culturally conscious, inclusive, and adaptive. Her work invites both personal and societal
change, emphasizing that feminist parenting begins not just with what we teach our children
but with how we model values, challenge tradition, and speak truth to power.
CHAPTER 4
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, one of Africa’s most influential contemporary writers, occupies a
1 pivotal role in global feminist thought. Through her critically acclaimed works We Should All
Be Feminists (2014) and Dear Ijeawele, or A Feminist Manifesto in Fifteen Suggestions (2017),
1 Adichie advances a progressive and inclusive vision of feminism. While both texts engage
deeply with issues of gender inequality and sociocultural patriarchy, they differ significantly in
form, tone, intended audience, and rhetorical strategy. The first emerged from a TEDx talk that
was later adapted into an essay, making it broadly public and accessible. The second originated
as a private letter, offering practical and culturally grounded advice to a friend raising a
daughter.
This essay examines the feminist strategies articulated in both texts, focusing on shared themes
differences in narrative techniques; and the broader impact of both works on global feminist
discourse. Together, these two texts serve as complementary pillars in Adichie’s feminist canon:
We Should All Be Feminists as a universal call to action and Dear Ijeawele as a pragmatic
Both works are anchored by a central feminist ethos that champions the value of education and
In We Should All Be Feminists, Adichie builds her argument by connecting personal experiences
to systemic issues, noting, “Gender as it functions today is a grave injustice. We should all be
angry” (Adichie, 2014). This anger, however, is not directionless; it is transformative, meant to
awaken consciousness.
Similarly, Dear Ijeawele offers practical guidance rooted in the same ideological framework.
Adichie advises, “Teach her to read. Teach her to love books. The best books will be ones that
reflect her, and others that allow her to see other worlds” (Adichie, 2017, 17). Here, reading is
not merely about literacy but about awakening a child’s capacity for empathy, critical thinking,
and self-expression. The ability to question the world is, for Adichie, foundational to feminist
empowerment.
Moreover, both texts critique deeply ingrained gender norms that often go unchallenged. In
Dear Ijeawele, Adichie insists, “Never speak of marriage as an achievement,” highlighting how
women are socialized to prioritize relational milestones over personal fulfillment (Adichie,
2017, 32). In We Should All Be Feminists, she recounts how girls are taught to shrink
themselves, to aim for likability instead of ambition: “We teach girls to aspire to marriage and
we don’t teach boys the same” (Adichie, 2014). Both texts confront this gendered asymmetry
head-on.
The context and purpose of each text shape their respective tones and the ways in which feminist
ideas are conveyed. We Should All Be Feminists, originating from a TEDx talk, is directed at a
global, diverse audience and aims to introduce feminism in accessible, relatable language. The
tone is welcoming and open, intended to dismantle defensiveness and broaden appeal. Adichie
writes, “My own definition of a feminist is a man or a woman who says, ‘Yes, there’s a problem
with gender as it is today and we must fix it, we must do better’” (Adichie, 2014). Her inclusive
language and the use of personal anecdotes create a persuasive atmosphere meant to reach even
Conversely, Dear Ijeawele is rooted in intimacy. Written as a letter to a friend who has just had
a daughter, the tone is more direct, pragmatic, and instructive. The shift in tone reflects a shift
Adichie writes, “Be a full person. Motherhood is a glorious gift, but do not define yourself
solely by it” (Adichie, 2017, 9). The advice is grounded in a personal relationship but
universally resonant.
Thus, the tonal distinction reflects two feminist strategies: one that educates the masses and
invites them into the feminist discourse, and another that arms individuals with specific tools
Narrative structure is essential to how each text delivers its message and evokes its intended
response. We Should All Be Feminists uses storytelling and rhetorical irony to make abstract
social critiques tangible. Adichie recounts incidents from her own life being called a feminist
in a pejorative sense, being refused class monitor because she was a girl, and being ignored at
restaurants, thereby demonstrating how patriarchy operates in both blatant and insidious ways.
“The man is expected to pay, but if the woman pays, then it’s somehow threatening,” she notes,
suggestions. Each suggestion is both ideological and practical, allowing the reader to internalize
feminist theory in actionable terms. For example, Adichie urges, “Teach her to reject likeability.
Her job is not to make herself likeable. Her job is to be her full self” (Adichie, 2017, 22). These
structured points allow for easier implementation, particularly by parents and educators seeking
guidance.
While We Should All Be Feminists works primarily through persuasion, emotional resonance,
and cultural critique, Dear Ijeawele operates through instructional logic. Together, they
Though differing in scope, both works contribute meaningfully to global feminist discourse. We
Should All Be Feminists has been translated into multiple languages and distributed across
continents. In Sweden, for example, the government distributed copies to every 16-year-old
student in the country, underscoring the text’s international educational value (Time, 2015). Its
universality lies in its framing of feminism not as a niche ideology but a human rights issue.
“Feminism must be rooted in acknowledgment,” Adichie argues, “that men and women are
Dear Ijeawele, on the other hand, focuses more intently on cultural specificity, particularly
Nigerian traditions. Yet, by localizing feminism, Adichie enhances its global appeal. She refuses
to cast feminism in Western terms alone and instead insists, “Culture does not make people.
People make culture,” thus inviting reimagination rather than rejection of cultural norms
(Adichie, 2017, 38). This assertion is crucial for non-Western readers who often face the tension
Together, these texts show how feminism can be both culturally rooted and globally resonant.
One text builds solidarity across borders; the other provides a toolkit for domestic resistance.
The reception of both texts affirms their relevance and power. We Should All Be Feminists has
been lauded for its clarity and relatability, finding a wide readership beyond feminist circles.
Critics and educators have praised its simplicity and its persuasive tone, making it an effective
educational tool.
Dear Ijeawele, though less globally disseminated, has found strong resonance among readers
feminism must navigate the dual burdens of patriarchy and cultural preservation.
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s We Should All Be Feminists and Dear Ijeawele are twin
testaments to the adaptability and depth of feminist thought. While the former introduces
feminism to a broad, global audience through a narrative of shared humanity, the latter delves
into the intimate, daily choices that shape feminist upbringing. The strength of Adichie’s
feminist strategies lies not in abstraction but in the clarity with which she connects the personal
to the political, the anecdotal to the ideological, and the local to the global.
Through these works, Adichie not only educates and empowers but also insists that feminism
is not a monolith. It is lived, debated, taught, and inherited. As she writes in Dear Ijeawele,
“Your feminist premise should be: I matter. I matter equally. Not ‘if only.’ Not ‘as long as.’ I
matter equally. Full stop” (Adichie, 2017, 13). It is this insistence on dignity, agency, and
equality that cements her place in the canon of global feminist thought.
CHAPTER 5
CONCLUSION
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Dear Ijeawele and We Should All Be Feminists are seminal
feminist texts that disrupt entrenched gender stereotypes through personal narrative, cultural
critique, and practical instruction. This dissertation has examined how these works challenge
both Nigerian and global contexts. Central to Adichie’s message is the idea of “unlearning”
gender, rejecting socially constructed roles and expectations in favor of a more equitable and
Adichie redefines feminism for a broad audience, challenging the notion that it is a Western or
elite ideology. Instead, she presents it as a necessary response to gender-based oppression across
cultures. In We Should All Be Feminists, she critiques societal norms that promote masculine
dominance and feminine submission, advocating for a world in which gender does not dictate
opportunity or worth. In Dear Ijeawele, she extends this critique into a practical, personal
framework for raising children free from gendered expectations. Both texts serve as accessible
feminist manifestos that equip readers with tools to recognize and resist patriarchal
conditioning.
Language plays a crucial role in Adichie’s feminist project. Her use of clear, personal
storytelling invites engagement across academic and non-academic audiences. The epistolary
form of Dear Ijeawele allows for an intimate and direct communication of feminist values,
reinforcing that change begins in everyday relationships: among family, friends, and
centering African women’s voices and lived realities within feminist discourse.
reconstruction. It involves identifying the cultural and institutional norms that have normalized
gender inequality and actively replacing them with more inclusive, just frameworks. Her texts
reject fixed gender roles—such as the association of domestic work with women or emotional
repression in men and encourage the cultivation of traits like empathy, independence, and
A notable strength of Adichie’s work is her attention to cultural specificity and intersectionality.
Though she does not use the term explicitly, her approach considers how gender intersects with
race, class, and tradition, particularly within the Nigerian context. She acknowledges that
feminism must be culturally relevant, advocating for a form of African feminism that challenges
both global misogyny and local patriarchal customs. In doing so, she rejects universalist models
Ultimately, both Dear Ijeawele and We Should All Be Feminists serve not only as critiques of
gender norms but also as blueprints for social change. Adichie urges readers to examine their
practice. Her work affirms that feminism is not simply an ideology but a mode of living—one
rooted in empathy, equity, and the unwavering belief in the full humanity of all people.
In calling us to unlearn gender, Adichie asks us to reimagine what it means to live freely and
ethically in relation to others. This process is neither quick nor easy, but it is necessary. Her
work leaves us with a powerful challenge: not just to read and reflect, but to act to live out a
feminist ethos in our words, choices, and communities. Through this, we begin to co-create the
WORK CITATION
Amadiume, Ifi. Male Daughters, Female Husbands: Gender and Sex in an African Society. Zed
Books, 1987.
Feminists." Journal of Language and Literature Studies, vol. 5, no. 2, 2023, pp. 45–60.
Butler, Judith. Gender Trouble: Feminism and the Subversion of Identity. Routledge, 1990.
Feminists." Journal of Contemporary Cultural Critique, vol. 9, no. 1, 2024, pp. 50–67.
hooks, bell. Feminism Is for Everybody: Passionate Politics. South End Press, 2000. ---.
Mohamed, Sabri. "Raising a New Generation of Feminists: Gender and Social Norms in
Chimamanda Adichie’s Imitation and The Arrangers of Marriage." African Feminist Literary
Oyěwùmí, Oyèrónkẹ́. The Invention of Women: Making an African Sense of Western Gender
https://time.com/4162923/sweden-feminist-book-giveaway/.