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

In an interview with BBC’s Emma Barnett, published on YouTube on Wednesday, Adichie addressed concerns about toxic masculinity and the role of parenting 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.

She highlighted the need for boys to have positive role models, noting that while young girls today have strong female figures to admire, boys often lack the same. “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.

Adichie further emphasized the power of culture in shaping societal norms. “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 asserted.

Beyond masculinity, the celebrated writer reflected on how motherhood has influenced her creativity. She admitted that becoming a mother impacted her writing process and, at one point, led to a 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 latest novel, Dream Count, marks her return to fiction after over a decade. The book delves into women’s lives and experiences, addressing themes of gender, race, and health with what she describes as “radical honesty.”