Always the trailblazer, Jane Fonda is interviewed by actor Brie Larson -- who has played two abuse survivors and also works with survivors, today -- for the March 2 issue of The Edit by Net-a-Porter.

Jane tells the story of so many women: "I've been raped, I've been sexually abused as a child, and I've been fired because I wouldn't sleep with my boss," Fonda told Larson. "And I always thought it was my fault; that I didn't do or say the right thing." She revealed that her mother had been abused, too.

Eventually Fonda was able to move beyond gullt, despair and self-blame to become a women's rights advocate. She launched the Jane Fonda Center for Adolescent Reproductive Health at Emory University in 2001. Fonda also worked with EveEnsler's V-Day, committed to stopping violence against women worldwide. Today, Jane works with young women to help them understand and then believe wholeheartedly that rape and sexual abuse aren't their fault.

Fonda credits activism with helper her improve her professional craft. "I think my acting improved when I became an activist -- I see things from a broader perspective," Jane shared with The Edit readers.

Activism Then & Now

Asked to compare activism today with other periods in her life, Jane says that '60s and '70s activism was mostly led by men and had a hard edge to it. "Activism didn't feel as loving as it does now (that) it's women-led. I think that's what's made the difference. I mean, you saw the incredible signs (at the recent Women's March) -- whether it was for reproductive rights, or health for the disabled, or LGBTQ, they're all issues that make up democracy.

Brie asks Jane about the best advice she's ever received. The answer: "It’s better to be interested than interesting. Also, that line from Alcoholics Anonymous, “‘No’ is a complete sentence.” I wish I had known that when I was younger."

In more followup, Jane explains her struggle with 'no'. "Brie, it took me 60 years to learn how to say no. If anyone offered me anything I would say yes. I took parts I wasn’t right for and I was taken advantage of. I didn’t know how to stand up for myself. Now, I would say, “No. This is a piece of s***. I don’t like the way you’re treating me,” and leave. If only I knew then what I do now."

As always, Jane inspires. Season 3 of 'Grace and Frankie' with Lily Tomlin debuts on Netflix March 24. Brie Larson appears next in 'Free Fire', out April 24.

Jane is styled by Simon Robins, with images by Nicos Bustos./ Hair by Roy Teeluck; makeup by David de Leon