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    Penélope Cruz just released a powerful message to women with and without children

    ‘We are all wonder women’

    Jenny Proudfoot's avatar
    By Jenny Proudfoot
    Published 8 January 2019 In News

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    penelope cruz
    (Image credit: Rex)
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    ‘We are all wonder women’

    Penélope Cruz is one of the most talked-about women in the world, from her couple goals-worthy marriage to Javier Bardem to her dazzling career, nominated over 2019 award season for her portrayal of Donatella Versace in American Crime Story.

    But it’s her inspiring other women that’s mostly had us talking, whether it’s bigging up her A-list BFF Salma Hayek, shutting down sexist interview questions or adding her voice to the Time’s Up movement.

    The subject of choice this week was motherhood, with the academy award winner opening up about being a parent in an interview with Marie Claire US, offering some empowering takeaways for both women with and without children.

    REX

    ‘[Motherhood] is the thing that has made me happiest,’ she explained. ‘But there are a lot of things that have surprised me about it. It’s like a revolution inside you — a very animal-like one. The whole world looks different. You’ll never think of yourself first again, and I think that’s a very good thing. It happens in a second.’

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    Going on to touch upon the expectations on mothers to be perfect, Penélope continued: ‘There are so many taboos related to women. You realise when you go through the whole process that society tricks women a lot — and men too.’

    A photo posted by on

    ‘This image society gives you—that you have to be a super-woman, that you need to be out of hospital in 24 hours, wearing high heels. No, you already are a superwoman! We’re all superwomen — those of us who have children and those of us who don’t.’

    Marie Claire Newsletter

    Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox!

    By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

    Well, that’s our daily dose of inspiration.

    We didn’t think we could love Penélope more!

    Jenny Proudfoot
    Jenny Proudfoot
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    Contributing Features Editor

    Jenny Proudfoot is an award-winning journalist, specialising in lifestyle, culture, entertainment, international development and politics. After working at Marie Claire UK for seven years - rising from intern to Features Editor - she is now a freelance contributor to the News and Features section.

    In 2021, Jenny was named as a winner on the PPA's '30 under 30' list, and was also listed as a rising star in journalism.

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