Nicole Kidman Encourages Gender Equality: Being A Woman Is Not A Disadvantage

Nicole Kidman wants women to unite against domestic violence.

Kidman, who recently won an Emmy for her portrayal of an abused woman in the hit HBO series "Big Little Lies," encouraged women from around the globe to "support and celebrate each other," Us Weekly reported. Kidman penned a moving open letter for Porter magazine's "Incredible Women" issue where she shared that she has always believed in equality.

"It never occurred to me that I should be at a disadvantage because I was born a girl," Kidman wrote. "The idea that women and men are equal is part of my DNA. I was raised by a strong feminist mother and a fully supportive father, so it never occurred to me that I should be at a disadvantage because I was born a girl."

The "Beguiled" actress credited her parents for her forward-thinking mindset, which she believes is the foundation of her successful career. "It has guided my choices to often portray strong, independent women who went against the expectations of society. And it has been my driving force to make it in an industry that is still largely run by men," Kidman added.

According to the "Moulin Rouge" actress, her mother was part of the Women's Electoral Lobby. Her mom would often take her along when she handed out pamphlets whenever there was voting that involved feminism. She confessed that she was teased because her mom was a feminist, but for her, "It doesn't matter. I'll stand up for what I believe in."

Kidman's role in "Big Little Lies" appears to also be related to her advocacy for women's rights. Her character, Celeste, who was stuck in an abusive relationship, represents a number of women in the world who are in the same situation. She confessed that when she portrayed the role, she couldn't help but be emotional because she absorbed Celeste's pain and struggles.

In one scene, Kidman's character was forced by her husband, Perry (Alexander Skarsgard), to have sex. According to the star, she felt exposed, vulnerable and humiliated during the filming of this particular scene that she just lied on the floor and cried after. Director Jean-Marc Vallée came over and covered her with a towel because she was wearing nothing but half-torn underwear.

"I would have flashes of images of women that have gone through this and I'm like, 'This is authentic, this is the truth and this is what I have to do, and it would just come through like that,'" Kidman explained.

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