Jane Fonda thinks it's "fabulous" that so many young actresses are tackling Hollywood's pay inequality and gender issues.

Jane Fonda

Jane Fonda

The 78-year-old actress is a committed feminist and she has praised stars such as Amy Schumer, Jennifer Lawrence and Lena Dunham for publicly taking on the establishment.

Discussing the ongoing pay gap debate with Vogue, she said: "I think it's fabulous. They (these actresses) happen to be very talented and successful and very funny. It's interesting how many of them are comedians. I think that issues of gender and equality lend themselves to comedy. Whether it's Lena Dunham or Amy Schumer or Samantha Bee. We had a whole night of feminist comedians a few months ago in New York to support the new campaign for the equal rights amendment. There were men there, too."

The 'Monster-in-Law star hosted an evening of comedy presented by the Fund for Women's Equality and ERA Coalition in New York recently to support the passage of the Equal Rights Amendment.

Fonda is confident that now the issue is being tackled by high-profile stars it will be resolved sooner rather than later and women will be paid the same salaries as their male counterparts.

Asked if she finds it frustrating that it is still a prominent problem, but is optimistic that change is coming even within her lifetime.

She added: "Equal pay is still an issue everywhere. I think it's a big problem and I think it's going to be solved. I bet within my lifetime. Which is saying something because I'm pretty old!"

And asked why she has such a positive outlook on the situation she said American Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton has given her "hope".