Acclaimed author and feminist advocate Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has reaffirmed her commitment to raising her sons with values that promote gender equality and respect for women.

In a recent interview with the BBC’s Emma Barnett, published on YouTube on Wednesday, Adichie addressed concerns surrounding toxic masculinity and the role parents play in shaping future generations.

“I’m determined to raise good men. I’m thinking about how to make them never feel entitled to women’s bodies,” she stated.

Adichie highlighted the importance of positive male role models, pointing out that while young girls today have strong female figures to admire, boys often lack similar role models.

“In general, little girls now have women in public life they can admire. But I don’t think boys have that in the same way. That space is instead occupied by noxious characters and ideas. I wish the good men would stand up,” she said.

The celebrated writer, known for works such as We Should All Be Feminists, emphasized the need to reshape masculinity in a way that aligns with gender equality.

“Culture doesn’t make us, we make culture. We can remake masculinity in a way that is compatible with equality. It can be done,” she said.

Beyond masculinity, Adichie also reflected on how motherhood has influenced her creativity. She admitted that pregnancy brought unexpected changes to her writing process, even leading to a temporary creative block.

“I don’t like to use the expression ‘writer’s block’ because I’m superstitious, but it happened when I became pregnant. Something changed, and I don’t think it was just physiological,” she revealed.

Adichie’s highly anticipated novel, Dream Count, marks her return to fiction after more than a decade. The book explores women’s experiences and addresses themes of gender, race, and health with what she describes as “radical honesty.”