Gloria Steinem death: Pioneering voice of modern feminism, dies at 92
Gloria Steinem, the journalist and women’s activist who became an icon of the modern feminist movement, died Wednesday at 92 years old, her foundation announced in an Instagram post.
Steinem was a leader of the second-wave feminist movement in the late 1960s, challenging traditional domestic roles, advocating for women to pursue higher education and careers as well as promoting reproductive freedom. Her leadership inspired generations of women to aim big and challenge the norm.
Recognized everywhere by her signature streaked hair, parted down the middle and large aviator glasses, Steinem was an unmistakable presence. She spent much of her life as an advocate, traveling and frequently speaking at universities, community centers, rallies and public marches.
“Gloria’s near-century on earth were years well-lived, and she continued working for equality until the very end,” the post read in part, her foundation wrote in the social media post.
“Gloria’s greatest gift was her ability to listen to others, to make others feel seen and heard. Her words, actions, and example gave people permission to be their truest selves. Gloria lived true to her independent spirit, always with curiosity and a great sense of humor.”
Steinem passed away at her New York City home, surrounded by loved ones.
Before becoming a dedicated activist, Steinem’s career originated in journalism. That included a 1963 undercover assignment exposing degrading conditions in Hugh Hefner’s Playboy empire – an effort she ultimately regretted.
In 1971, she co-founded Ms. Magazine, the first major publication to be owned, run and written by women. It broke the traditional mold by publishing stories that raised awareness about issues facing women and girls at a time when most mainstream media were not.
But her focus shifted years later during a meeting where women forcefully advocated for abortion rights.
Following the reversal of Roe v Wade, Steinem, who had a secret illegal abortion at age 22, told the Associated Press in a 2022 email: “That speak-out was the beginning of activism for me.” She added, “Either our control over our own bodies is equal, regardless of sex or race, or we’re not living in a democracy.”
Steinem viewed her role as “an entrepreneur of social change”.
Throughout her career, she launched the National Women’s Political Caucus alongside former Reps. Bella Abzug and Shirley Chisholm, as well as author Betty Friedan, whose 1963 landmark The Feminine Mystique inaugurated second-wave feminism. Her organizational legacy also includes founding the Ms. Foundation for Women, Voters for Choice, the Women’s Media Center and the Coalition of Labor Union Women.
“I want to do justice to the women I meet, to tell their stories,” she told The New Yorker magazine in 2015. “It’s making connections, and using myself to listen, because we can’t empower women without listening to their stories.”
Steinem also became a stylish icon of a feminist movement, which she stressed must represent women of every race.
