Live beyond self-doubt, Adichie tells women at WIMBIZ Conference

Nigerian writer and author, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, has encouraged women to put in effort and live beyond self-doubt, saying it remains a sure way to become accomplished.

She made this call while presenting her keynote address at the 21st annual conference of the Women in Management, Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ) held yesterday at Eko Hotel and Suite, Victoria Island, Lagos.

She said: “I experience self-doubt but I push on beyond self-doubt because I have come to make peace with the fact that that is a part of it. It is not fun and you might just think of it as something that you will have to deal with.

“Trying doesn’t necessarily end in success. The trying has to be extended, concerted and has to involve homework.

“There are so many young people in my opinion who do not put in the homework and study every imaginable thing in that sphere you are trying in. And have you made the best of yourself before you start trying? Otherwise, you haven’t tried.

“The reason I memorised everything in that fat book on how to get published is because I wanted to do my homework and so as I am trying; I try in a way that I am being propelled by knowledge.”

Adichie, however, noted that the way the society responds to acts of trying was really important, adding: “In this society, if a woman has the courage to leave an abusive marriage or relationship, what that woman deserves is respect and not judgment.

“I think that a lot of women knowing the kind of judgment awaiting them, stay in terrible relationships which is similar to staying in a job that is not good for them. I think it is difficult enough to know that your fellow women are going to be the most judgmental about your decision. A woman who takes courage deserves kindness.”