Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has opened up about embracing non-traditional motherhood after welcoming twins through surrogacy.
In an interview with The Guardian and media personality Chude Jideonwo, the celebrated writer shared her experiences, addressing criticisms surrounding her choice. Chimamanda, who is also a mother to a daughter, described her twin boys as the greatest gift and expressed her disdain for the judgmental nature of society.
My boys are so precious to me,” she shared. “I hated that anything about them would become politicised. On one hand, I wished I hadn’t spoken about it, but on the other hand, I refused to lie about the process.”
Adichie emphasized the need for open conversations about fertility, highlighting the undue pressure and shame many women face due to societal expectations. She remarked, “Our society is so judgmental. Women are ashamed when they have fibroids or struggle to conceive. It’s too much of a burden, and I don’t believe in that sort of shame.”
Chimamanda also reflected on her chieftaincy title, Odeluwa, awarded in 2023 in her hometown, Abba. As the first woman to receive this honor, she encouraged cultural custodians to celebrate women equally and expressed hope that her recognition would inspire others.
Additionally, the globally recognized author has received numerous accolades, including a prestigious medal from Harvard University in 2022 and admiration from literary icon Wole Soyinka, whom she describes as a guiding light in her career.
Also Read:Five Must-Read Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie short stories
