Dear Ijeawele, or A Feminist Manifesto in Fifteen Suggestions by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Summary

"Dear Ijeawele, or A Feminist Manifesto in Fifteen Suggestions" is Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s heartfelt and practical response to a friend seeking advice on raising her daughter as a feminist. Structured as a letter, the manifesto delivers fifteen direct, actionable suggestions for nurturing confidence, equality, and integrity in girls. Adichie debunks gender stereotypes and emphasizes the importance of self-worth, independence, and challenging social expectations. The book serves as a concise yet powerful guide for parents, educators, and anyone interested in gender equality. Its accessible prose and universal wisdom make it both impactful and deeply personal.

Life-Changing Lessons

1. Embrace and teach the importance of self-worth, so that girls grow up knowing their value is not determined by others, especially not by men.

2. Reject gender roles as societal constructs; encourage both girls and boys to pursue interests and responsibilities independent of gender expectations.

3. Speak openly about money, sexuality, and ambition, fostering environments where girls can develop autonomy and assertiveness.

Publishing year and rating

The book was published in: 2017

AI Rating (from 0 to 100): 92

Practical Examples

1. Reject gender roles in childhood toys and activities

   Adichie advises against channeling children into toys or activities simply based on their gender. Instead of dictating that girls should play with dolls and boys with trucks, she encourages exposing children to a variety of interests, suggesting that girls can be engineers or scientists too. This creates a foundation for self-discovery and equality.

2. Teach to question language

   The book urges parents to be mindful of language that reinforces stereotypes, such as calling a girl 'bossy' for being assertive. Adichie recommends affirming assertiveness as a positive trait. By challenging language that undermines girls, caregivers can help instill confidence.

3. Normalize conversations about sexuality

   Adichie encourages honest conversations about bodies, consent, and sex rather than teaching girls to view sexuality with shame or fear. Instead of hiding facts or using euphemisms, she suggests being age-appropriately direct and supportive, so girls develop healthy relationships with their bodies.

4. Encourage ambition and financial independence

   The manifesto emphasizes the importance of teaching girls to pursue their ambitions without apology. Adichie posits that financial independence is vital to self-sufficiency, urging parents to raise girls who see work as fulfillment, not simply as a means to support others.

5. Champion honesty and authenticity over likability

   Adichie warns against the pressure for girls to be 'liked' at the expense of their actual feelings and beliefs. She encourages teaching girls that being authentic and true to themselves is more important than seeking approval from others. This suggestion empowers girls to value personal integrity.