Kerry Washington says Lena Dunham is creating more opportunities for women in Hollywood.

The 'Scandal' star - who has three-month-old daughter Isabelle with her husband Nnamdi Asomugha - is a keen supporter of women's rights and has confessed she thinks the 'Girls' creator is helping more women to be heard.

Quizzed on how she felt about stars such as Oprah, Lena and Claire Danes being her fans, Kerry said: ''It's fun to hear that. There is a real circle of mutual respect. There are more opportunities for women and part of that is people like Lena and Oprah creating those opportunities and having a community that believes our successes and can help rather than take away from each other.

''That's the truth; the more successful you are, the more you're able to inspire and create work for others. It's great when we live in a belief system. It works.''

The 37-year-old actress - who admits her parents were sceptical about her choice of career - has a number of life lessons that she would give to her younger self if she had the opportunity.

She told Stylist magazine: ''I guess, it's to trust the journey. Don't worry so much about being perfect. Trust that you're on a journey of becoming who you're supposed to be.

''Everything that's happened, every negative thing or bad moment that has helped me to come closer to who I want to be.

''Not that I'm there yet but I'm really grateful for the challenges. I truly am.''