Structure

Broadly speaking, “Dear Ijeawele” is structured as a letter from the author to her close friend. The first part prefaces the letter, putting it into context for the reader and explaining its most recent transformation into book form. The first part of the letter, before the author begins her 15 suggestions, also provides two conceptual tools that frame the book’s observations of misogyny and patriarchy at work in the world. In terms of structure, they invite the reader to participate in the author’s project, as well as giving the reader a broader conceptual frame for reading this letter.

Generally, the first two suggestions refer to equitable, feminist family structures that can support Chizalum as she grows up, which suggests that a supportive community is the foundation and bedrock of any feminist undertaking. For the author, in a feminist family, the mother would feel no pressure to...