Keira Knightley says she wants her daughter to be able to walk along the streets of London without being harassed.
She said the only way boys and girls will learn to show one another respect is if men and women “change the world” together.
The Colette star, who has three-year-old daughter Edie with husband James Righton, said: “I want to bring up my child to aspire to live, and laugh, and love, to speak for herself, without fear. To dare. To shout. I want her to be able to walk along the road — alone, in the dark, at night, in whatever she wants to wear — without fear. Is that unrealistic?”
She added: “I think we agree that we have to change the world, and we have to do that together as men and women together - we have to show each other respect.
"We have to bring up our sons and daughters to respect each other’s similarities and differences.
“Respect forbids bullying and abuse. Respect acknowledges equality. Equality — it is not too much to ask.”
Knightley, 33, who stars as the Sugar Plum Fairy in upcoming fantasy film The Nutcracker And The Four Realms, was speaking at the Harper’s Bazaar Women of the Year Awards at Claridge’s, as she received the actress award. The event recognised writers, actresses, designers and models.
Kylie Minogue, 50, was given the music icon prize, handed over by Nick Cave. She said: “When I was a young girl I dreamt about performing or acting or being some kind of entertainer for the world. I wanted to be Olivia Newton John.”
Gemma Arterton, 32, was awarded the outstanding performance accolade in recognition of her depiction of a suburban wife and mother in The Escape. Kristin Scott Thomas, 58, was awarded the British icon title, while Jenna Coleman, 32, was given the TV actress award for her performances in Doctor Who, Victoria and The Cry.
Lily James, 29, got the editor’s choice accolade for her performances in the Darkest Hour and Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again.
