Nigerian feminist and writer, Ijeoma Awuaku Umebinyuo, is of the opinion that daughters, especially first daughters need to reconcile with their mothers before they can heal from the toxic effects that patriarchy has had on them.
The prolific author also said many feminists became feminists because they could not bear to sit back and watch the same thing that happened to their mothers happen to them. And that their feminist drive was a cry for help, a type of pain they must heal from by having a honest conversation
She wrote on:
“Many feminists became feminists because they do not want to be their mothers.
And in the process of not being their mothers, they forget the fight of many many of their mothers.
This is why I insist that you study your own culture and the women who resisted.”
Ijeoma further asked feminists to forgive their mothers for all the miracles they could not perform, and for how defenseless they appeared in the face of bold patriarchy, saying the struggles of their mother reflects on the whole struggle of feminists.
Read full her thread:
“Forgive your mother for all the miracles she couldn’t perform. — Questions for Ada
How did your mothers survive in the patriarchy? What choices do you have now that she did not have?
In trying to praise your father for his progressive ideals in letting you be the feminists you are, go back and ask yourself if he even encouraged your own mother.”
