Gloria Steinem, the celebrated American journalist and activist who became a defining figure in the fight for women’s rights, has died at the age of 92.
Steinem died peacefully at her home in New York City on Wednesday, surrounded by people close to her, according to a statement from her foundation. The cause of death was not disclosed.
Her death drew tributes from prominent political figures and activists who credited her with helping transform the campaign for gender equality in the United States.
Former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton described Steinem as a woman who “pushed open doors” for millions of others, while former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi called her a fearless pioneer whose activism inspired generations.
Tennis icon Billie Jean King also paid tribute, saying Steinem had “lit a torch” that younger generations must now carry forward.
Steinem first established herself as a journalist during the 1960s, using her writing to expose discrimination against women in American society.
She gained national attention in 1963 after publishing an undercover report detailing the treatment of waitresses at New York’s Playboy Club. At the time, women faced numerous legal and social restrictions, including limitations on financial independence.
Her transition from journalism to activism was influenced by a 1969 meeting where women openly discussed their experiences with abortion. Steinem later revealed that she had undergone an abortion herself in London in 1957, when the procedure was illegal.
She said the doctor who performed the procedure asked her to keep his identity confidential and encouraged her to live her life on her own terms.
Steinem became one of the most prominent organisers of the women’s movement during the 1970s. She helped establish Ms. Magazine, co-founded the National Women’s Political Caucus and played a major role in organising the first National Women’s Conference in Houston.
For decades, her trademark aviator glasses became closely associated with her appearances at feminist rallies, conferences and campaigns in the US and abroad.
She continued to advocate for women’s rights into her later years, including speaking out after the US Supreme Court overturned the constitutional protection for abortion established by Roe v. Wade in 1973.
“Banning abortions does not stop the need for them. It just bans their safety,” she said in 2022, while urging activists to remain organised.
Steinem was born in Toledo, Ohio, on March 25, 1934. Her childhood was unsettled because her father worked as a travelling salesman, while her parents divorced when she was 10.
She subsequently took on significant responsibility for caring for her mother, who experienced mental health difficulties.
Her public role as a feminist also subjected her to sustained criticism. Opponents frequently focused on her appearance, her past work as a Playboy Bunny and her decision not to have children in attempts to discredit her activism.
Steinem remained unmarried for most of her life before marrying businessman David Bale at the age of 66. Bale, the father of actor Christian Bale, died three years later from brain cancer at 62.
Steinem also survived breast cancer and underwent surgery in the 1980s.
Despite her influence, her career was not without controversy. She faced criticism for defending Bill Clinton after sexual harassment allegations against him and apologised in 2016 following remarks suggesting that young women supported Bernie Sanders partly because young men supported him.
Her contributions to American public life earned her numerous honours, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, awarded by President Barack Obama in 2013.
Obama joined the tributes following her death, describing Steinem as a “larger-than-life” figure whose work helped draw attention to issues including domestic violence and workplace discrimination.
He said generations of women were “walking a little taller and aiming a little higher” because of her efforts.
People also gathered outside Steinem’s Manhattan home to remember her.
Makenna Lorange, a 31-year-old visitor from Boston, said Steinem’s death left her feeling grateful for the life and legacy of the feminist icon.
“We’ve lost a little bit of light in the world,” she said.
AFP
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