Jessica Alba Talks Gender Equality & Identifying More With Masculinity in 'Cosmopolitan'

The recent out pour of opinions toward the gender pay gap in Hollywood has caused several celebrities, actresses in particular, to speak out against the injustices many women face in the workplace. Jessica Alba holds many titles and in the March 2016 issue of Cosmopolitan, she explains why she refuses to back down in a male-dominated society. The cover star opens up about gender equality and explains why she identifies more with masculinity.

The 34-year-old California native is a Golden Globe-nominated actress, model, and the co-founder of a eco-friendly consumer goods company known as The Honest Company. Alba helped build a billion dollar business, all while mothering her two daughters, seven-year-old Honor Marie Warren and four-year-old Haven Garner Warren.

Although often recognized for her sexy-chic fashion sense, Alba admits she's had an aggressive approach to life and her career since she was younger. She had her eyes set on becoming a big action star and being recognized in the same light that her fellow male actors were viewed in. Alba revealed she didn't adjust to her feminine side until much later in her life.

"Most of my life, I identified more with my masculine side," Alba told Cosmopolitan. "I was kind of aggressive and super masculine in my early 20s — even into my mid- 20s. I got boobs when I was young … and I was like, What do I do? … I was never the girl who they marketed. I was always feeling angry, like an imposter. I learned how to be cool with the feminine later in life."

The Sin City star also weighed in on the equal pay argument. The lack of women in head government and business roles, frustrates Alba. Alba, who identifies as a feminist, believes women should have an equal right and opportunity to sit "at the table."

Using actress Jennifer Lawrence as an example, Alba says actresses most definitely deserve equal pay, especially those opening movies and drawing people to the box office.

"I'm in a man's world in business," Alba said. "But I know what women want — [men] don't … Whenever [male colleagues] question me in meetings, I'm like, 'Go home and ask your wife. This is a pointless conversation. Go home and talk to her.' When we were talking about package designs, I was like, 'Are you really giving me notes on packaging for feminine care? I literally can't with you.'"

So what's next for Alba? She's diving into the fashion world as she collaborates with DL1961. The denim collection is expected for release in Fall 2016. Alba has designed eight to 10 pieces set to hit shelves in August.

To read Jessica Alba's full interview with Cosmopolitan, pick up the March 2016 issue when it hits newsstands on Feb. 9.

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