KEIRA Knightley has said she is glad society no longer sees feminism as a "dirty word", but insisted the film industry needs to give more leading roles to women and prove their equality.

Keira Knightley is glad feminism is no longer a "dirty word".

The 28-year-old actress thinks the world is becoming more open to talking about equality for women and she is pleased people are able to discuss issues maturely.

She told Harper's Bazaar magazine: "I think it's great, what's happening at the moment, I think it's great that the discussions are finally being allowed to be had, as opposed to anybody mentioning feminism and everybody going, 'oh, f***ing shut up'.

"Somehow, it became a dirty word. I thought it was really weird for a long time, and I think it's great we're coming out of that."

However, the 'Anna Karenina' star suggested the film industry has a "long way to go" to prove women are truly equal.

She noted the number of female lead roles are limited in Hollywood, and thinks actresses should have more opportunities.

Keira added: "Hollywood has a really long way to go. I don't think that anybody can deny that, really, and I think as much as you are getting more women playing lead roles... they're still pretty few and far between."