Shayk, who split from Cooper in June after four years together, also referenced her own upbringing in Yemanzhelinsk, Russia.
Brought up by her mother, sister and two grandmothers, the Victoria's Secret runway star knows exactly what it's like to surround yourself with inspiring women juggling a whole host of responsibilities.
"Women are the ones who can handle everything," Shayk said. "Women can raise the kids, women can do the job, and when she's back, she can cook and clean and do the heavy work too!"
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"We never had men around. You have to learn how to put a nail in the wall, how to hang the curtains," she added.
Though it's not the first time she's opened up about her feminist values, as she recently revealed that she has never felt under pressure to balance motherhood with work.
"There is no real challenge," she said. "I really believe if you love something, you can prioritise your time. [Motherhood] is just an addition to your life."
Since welcoming their first child, the estranged A-list couple have kept Lea shielded from the spotlight but she made the headlines this week after Cooper brought her along to her debut public event.
On Tuesday (October 29), the 44-year-old actor was photographed with his daughter perched on his knee during the Mark Twain Prize for American Humour at the Kennedy Centre in Washington.
Proving she's already taking sartorial notes from her mum, the genetically-blessed tot was dressed in a star-emblazoned dress with a puffer vest layered over the top.
Shayk and Cooper called it quits five months ago and reportedly agreed to share physical and legal custody of Lea - both relocating to New York City to make the transition as smooth as possible.
