Gloria Steinem, one of the most influential voices in the modern feminist movement, has died at 92. For decades, the journalist and activist challenged expectations while pushing conversations about women, power and equality into the mainstream.
Gloria Steinem challenged gender inequality as a journalist, activist and feminist leader
Gloria Steinem died Sept. 2 at her home in New York City. Her official Instagram account announced the news the following day. The statement said loved ones surrounded Steinem at home during her final moments. It did not disclose a cause of death.
Steinem spent more than six decades challenging gender inequality through journalism and activism. In 1963, she went undercover as a Playboy Bunny to investigate working conditions at the clubs. The Associated Press noted that the assignment helped establish her public profile.
Later, Steinem co-founded Ms. magazine and became a prominent feminist leader during the women’s liberation movement. She advocated for reproductive rights, workplace equality and greater political representation for women.
Moreover, the Gloria Steinem activist legacy extended well beyond her journalism. She helped establish the National Women’s Political Caucus and later co-founded the Women’s Media Center. Reuters also highlighted her decades of work for women’s civil and reproductive rights.
In 2013, President Barack Obama awarded Steinem the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Still, she continued writing, organizing and advocating well into her 90s.
Her influence also reached younger public figures. Meghan Markle developed a friendship with Steinem and worked with her on voter advocacy. Last year, Markle visited Steinem during a trip to New York City.
Meanwhile, Steinem continued working on new writing late in life. Her memoir, An Unexpected Life, is scheduled for publication this month.
Ultimately, Gloria Steinem’s death marks the end of a defining chapter in American feminism. However, her decades-long fight for gender equality leaves an influence that extends far beyond her lifetime.
