Wenfeng Huang

Dear Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie,

I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to express my deep appreciation for your work. You always bring some new perspectives for me to see the world, particularly your TED speech “We Should All Be Feminists.” Your discussion of the experiences of women resonated with me. Your insights are not only powerful but also necessary to raise both gender’s awareness to create a gender equitable society. It is also the first time I know the definition of feminism. 

 Your approach to feminism is not just for women but for any gender involving the solution to gender equality. When you mentioned how if parents raise their kids, focus on ability and interest instead of gender. I feel very related to it. I have two brothers and we don’t have a big age gap. When we were kids, I was the one who always needed to do chores because I am a girl and I need to know how to do it. I had that unfair feeling at that time, but I noticed that it is the gender norms. I realized that I was raised that girls have to know how to do chores, but boys don’t have to know how to do it. I never think I can speak up unfairly to my parents or someone else. I appreciate how you address the intersection of culture, tradition and gender in ways that encourage meaningful reflection without judgment. You let me feel like I am not the only one who thinks why I am being raised differently with boys. I definitely will raise my children to focus on their ability and interest instead of gender, if I have my own children in the future. 

Thank you for your voice, your courage and your commitment to social justice. We need this kind of gender awareness, especially, when we may not be aware of feminism. Your speech inspires me to advocate for equality in my own way. 

Best,

Winni