'The idea that women and men are equal is part of my DNA'

Nicole Kidman writes a powerful essay about domestic violence and everyone should read it…

Nicole Kidman played domestic abuse victim Celeste in the HBO show Big Little Lies earlier this year - a role that earned her an Emmy award for best leading actress as well as co-producer.

In her acceptance speech, the 50-year-old actress spoke about Celeste's abusive relationship with her husband Perry played by Alexander Skarsgard - who also won an Emmy for his performance, going on to give an emotional speech on the issue.

‘Sometimes when you’re acting you get a chance to bring a bigger message,' Kidman explained, dedicating the Emmy to raising awareness of domestic abuse. ‘It is a complicated, insidious disease. It exists far more than we allow ourselves to know. It is filled with shame and secrecy, and by you acknowledging me with this award, it shines a light on it even more.’

Now, just a month later, Nicole is still committed to spreading awareness on the issue, writing a powerful essay on domestic violence in Porter's 'Incredible Women' issue.

'It never occurred to me that I should be at a disadvantage because I was born a girl. The idea that women and men are equal is part of my DNA,' she wrote in her powerful essay. 'I was raised by a strong feminist mother and a fully supportive father.'

Speaking of her responsibility as a UN Goodwill Ambassador for women, the actress explained, 'It is in this role that I come to fully understand the barriers that women around the world are facing. I have focused on lending my voice to women who are survivors of violence. The stories I have heard from them have shaken me to the core and changed me forever.'

'I have seen that there is no limit to what women can achieve when given the opportunity,' she continued. 'I have met women who had to overcome enormous obstacles, yet who went on to help others and organise to achieve social change. To me, these women embody resilience, strength, dignity—and hope.'

She concluded: 'More than ever, I am aware of the need to support and celebrate each other. I like to believe I am part of a global support group network of 3.4 billion. Imagine: if you can fall back on the 3.5 billion sisters, and the many good men who are with us, what could we possibly not achieve?'

We couldn't have said it better ourselves.