Nigerian writer, Chimamanda Adichie has revealed that it was never her intention to become a feminist activist.
Adichie claimed that feminism had never been in her plans while speaking at the WIMBIZ Conference on Friday, November 4.
She stated that witnessing the oppression of women in society had influenced her advocacy.
Adichie criticized the pressure that society places on women who marry late in life, choose not to have children, or leave an abusive marriage.
She said, “I did not set out to be a feminist icon, but I cannot stand the way women are being abused in society and I feel like I have a platform that can make a difference, no matter how little.
“A woman gathers the courage to leave an abusive marriage, and instead of being comforted and cared for, she’s being oppressed and insulted, even by fellow women. We need to change the narrative.
“People don’t need to like you for the stand you take, all that matters is that you can sleep well at night, knowing that you have done and have said the right thing.”
She continued by saying that society’s criticism suppresses the greatness that women possess. She also urged women to genuinely support one another.
She said, “If you’re so judged and oppressed as a woman, you can’t conquer the world and be the best you can be.”
