Annie Lennox on feminism and women her age not having to be ‘invisible’

‘I’m so happy we can use the ‘F’ word now’

Annie Lennox has spoken about the importance of empowering girls and women through feminism, expressing her belief that women her age should not have to feel as though they’ve become “invisible”.

Lennox, former member of synth-pop band Eurythmics, has spent years supporting philanthropic organisations such as Amnesty International and Greenpeace.

Feminism is a cause that's very close to the singer's heart, so much so that she's determined to encourage more people around the world to embrace the term.

"My current focus is to bring the term 'Global Feminism' into the zeitgeist," Lennox tells Good Housekeeping.

"I'm so happy we can use the 'F' word now and talk comfortably about being feminists!"

The singer explains that she remembers a time when the word "feminist" wouldn't get published in the media as "people felt uncomfortable with it".

However, since then the term has "come out of the shadows", and has been accepted by a plethora of women and men alike.

"Global Feminism absolutely includes and welcomes men," Lennox says. "We need men who are proud to identify with this issue.

"We are not criticising men, per se, we are criticising negative and abusing behaviours.

"At the end of the day, Global Feminism is about the fundamental human rights of girls and women - why should we continue to tolerate disrespect, abuse and disempowerment?" the musician adds.

At 64 years old, Lennox also believes strongly in instilling confidence in older women.

While taking part in a vibrant photoshoot for Good Housekeeping, the singer explained that women around her age shoudn't be made to feel as though they've become less visible in their later years.

"Dressing up for this photoshoot was really fun and trying on all these clothes for the pictures was enjoyable," Lennox says.

"I want people to realise that women of my age don't have to become invisible.

"We can still thrive, be full of life and have fun. And we have so much to offer, after all!"