Charlize: Men should celebrate women

Charlize Theron thinks men should "elevate and celebrate" their partners.

The 39-year-old actress is currently in a relationship with Sean Penn, 54, after their friendship became something more at the beginning of the year.

Charlize likes having a partner who is there for her, but doesn't feel a need to always be in a relationship. For her, it's more important that anyone she spends time with is completely supportive.

"A modern man should elevate and celebrate the emerging progression of the modern woman," she told Modern Luxury magazine. "These days women are doing any-and everything, and men are realising that women are able to do everything they can do. I think at the end of the day, we should be supporting one another, building each other up. We need each other."

The actress warns women that self-confidence needs to come from within, rather than from other people. The Oscar-winner is proud of all she's achieved in her career, so focuses on that rather than putting her worth in her appearance.

"I like to think I am a woman who is comfortable [with] and celebratory of my strengths… and indulges in the qualities that make me feel beautiful," she explained.

On top of that, Charlize is quick to point out she doesn't represent the feminine ideal. Her long legs, lean figure and ability to make even a buzz cut look appealing have made her the envy of women worldwide, but the star insists she can pinpoint defects just like anyone else.

"I do not have a perfect body!" she stated. "I'm always finding things I can work on, but I definitely have reached a point where I feel comfortable and happy with the way my body looks."