Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: The responsibility of being a feminist icon - 100 Women, BBC World Service

For many, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie became famous when her Ted Talk, ‘We should all be feminists’ was featured in Beyonce’s song Flawless, but her books have been translated into over 30 languages around the world.


In an exclusive BBC 100 Women interview, the Nigerian writer talks about the responsibilities that come with being seen as a feminist "icon" by many. She also shares her thoughts on ‘cancel culture’ and what she sees as "language orthodoxy" around trans women.

And she tells the BBC’s Catherine Byaruhanga about her newest writing that deals with the very personal grief of losing her father in 2020 – her mother also died unexpectedly in the last year and she shares why she has chosen to be so open about this time in her life.

The BBC 100 Women team has a mission to address the under-representation of women in media. If you are interested in their content check out these playlists:

Interview by Catherine Byaruhanga. Produced by Georgina Pearce, Naomi Scherbel-Ball, Lara Hartzenbusch. Filmed by Hassan Lali, Lulu Luo, Ayo Bello, Yinka Adefolaju. Edited by Holly Stimson.

100 Women senior producers: Valeria Perasso, Amelia Butterly and Georgina Pearce. Executive producer: Valeria Perasso and Vara Szajkowski. Commissioning editors: Claire Williams and Emma De’Ath.

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[briannachinembiri]

❤️❤️❤️It's her poise, her intelligence, her beauty, her hair, her eloquence and calmness! ❤️❤️❤️

[SisiYemmieTV]

So eloquent 👌🏾👌🏾👌🏾 and love how she sticks to her guns

[tonye_jimgeorge]

the fact she is so authentic and doesn't change her words because of what the world wants to hear is something to learn.

[chidimmauwaoma]

"Responsibility is what I define for my self". Anytime I listen to her, I gain insight.

[Yahkahey]

I just love to hear her talk her “Nigerian English!” Also she remains true to her culture and to herself. So sorry to hear of the lost of her beloved parents. May their souls Rest In Peace.

[afro-carib]

"A Responsibility I don't want someone else to define for me". Bravo👏👏💥💥

[touchedmoved]

I didn’t think I could love her more ❤️

[NanaloveTV]

Beautiful... such a powerful word. I love her T-shirt “Oyilinnia” meaning ‘father’s look alike’ in Igbo. I love how she takes us on a journey with her life experiences in 📚.

[harrietlucky]

It's her refusal to be allow her demeanour and takes be tilted by seemly accepted ways by the society for me. She is so authentic and not under any pressure to be accepted as the ' best thing after sliced bread ' by the society. She stands her ground, speaks her mind and expresses her thoughts in the most confident way...

Love love her ❤

[kswwsk]

I absolutely adore her, she is an amazing woman, an amazing human being.

[camaa_pearl]

I love how Chimamanda answers questions, how she thinks and stand by her views.

[CinemaDoll]

So poised, elegant, intelligent, and absolutely stunning. I'm at a loss for words over how amazing this woman is.

[lets_eat_n_talk]

The interviewer is such a warm graceful lady. Good job

[foreveredu]

It's illegal that she's so intelligent and beautiful 😇😊

[usochiilozumba]

I switched from a dogmatic critic of this queen to an avid reader of her books and loyal admirer. Initially, I believed what "some people" thought about her: that "she is a dangerous rebel in the thick cultural subjugation of women in Nigeria, that she will turn women's head into fighting for what was not there's to have in the first place, that she's a critic of the Catholic church, etc etc". I believed "these people" then but thank goodness I sought the truth for myself. I delved into reading her books, gulping down pages and pages and tearing down the fat scales my eyes had been blinded with. I listened to her talks, interviews, the recent phenomenal speech at the Humboldt Forum, and now this video... I'm short of words at Chimamanda's intelligence, composure, diction, and salty-calm humor that disarms even the meanest critic. Thank you Chimamanda for who you are and what you are to the world, and to us Nigerian women!

[GoGetFree]

“There are consequences for refusing to perform..and I’m willing to take on those consequences”
YES YES YES

[jacquettaladson]

I love Chimamanda ❤! She's so articulate and straightforward. I love listening to thinkers, that are down to earth and honest !!!

[adamraelson]

I respect you so much, Chimamanda! This interview has been a joy to watch. Thank you!

[mapitsorangaka]

Amen, as soon as I raise my voice, my husband labeled me as verbally abusive and overreacting, just because I was challenging him about being present at home and responsible and because he was irresponsible in a quiet and manipulative and I was outspoken. I still speak loud and straight forward against unfairness and injustices against children I undertook to support in the education system.

[c.c.akomah]

I don't know how to explain the beautiful emotions I feel listening or watching her speak. She's just graceful and elegant.