Amy Schumer dazzled in a sleek red dress as she talked about the wage gap, girl squads and female empowerment at the Elle Women in Hollywood Awards

Amy Schumer: Women in Hollywood Should Be Treated as 'Human Beings' Not 'Caricatures from the 1920s'

Amy Schumer has made a name for herself as a hilarious, fearless solo act – not to mention an unexpected feminist. But the comedian says she’s “all for” girl squads, and remains unapologetic about her aim to unite and empower women in the industry.

“I would like to join any squad that would have me as a member. I think it’s really interesting that this phrasing has popped up,” the 34-year-old told reporters as she arrived at the 22nd annual Elle Women in Hollywood Awards on Monday in Beverly Hills.

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“Like all of a sudden, it’s not just your friends any more. You’re a squad,” she continued. “It kind of makes it sound more powerful. I’m all for it.”

The Trainwreck star stunned in a sleek, red dress with matching lipstick as she arrived at the event among stars like Kate Winslet, Shailene Woodley, Zoë Saldana and Nikki Reed.

She was also seen at the event snapping selfies with fellow comedian Niecy Nash and sharing an embrace with Lena Dunham.

Schumer, who graces one of the special Elle covers this month, has nailed the female experience for many during her rapid rise to fame. And in her trademark unapologetic fashion, the star said Monday that she knows her value in the industry, especially when it comes to the wage gap.

“You know me, I’m like ‘let’s f—— go,’ ” she said. “When you start out, you’re like, ‘Oh, I just want to get a job and whatever.’ And then you start to feel more powerful and you really do have something to say.”

Although the comedian is known for her risqué humor and razor-sharp wit – on display in her recent HBO special – Schumer said that she also wants to see women in Hollywood take on a different kind of role: “human beings.”

“Like, them playing human beings instead of, like, caricatures from the 1920s,” Schumer said.

She added that while she doesn’t “know enough about Hollywood,” her goal is simple.

“I want women to lift each [other] up,” she said. “Get more and more powerful and understand their worth.”

Stars like Saldana and Winslet, who sported a black dress with blue accents, made similar statements just before the event. Winslet told PEOPLE that she teaches her teenage daughter body positivity by exhibiting the confidence herself.

Saldana spoke of her struggles in the industry, joking about a particular challenge: “being beautiful and having that be held against me.” She added that women in the industry should stand up for themselves and “break free” from wanting to please people.