FEMINIST PIONEER GLORIA STEINEM DIES AT 92

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AGENCY REPORT

American journalist, author and women’s rights activist Gloria Steinem, a defining figure in the feminist movement for several decades, has died at the age of 92.

Her foundation announced her death on Thursday, saying Steinem passed away peacefully at her home in New York City, surrounded by family and loved ones. The statement did not disclose the cause of death.

Her death prompted tributes from political leaders, activists and prominent figures who praised her lifelong advocacy for gender equality and women’s rights.

Former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton described Steinem as a trailblazer who helped create opportunities for millions of women.

Clinton said Steinem “pushed open doors not just for herself, but for literally millions of women behind her.”

Former US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi also hailed Steinem as a fearless pioneer whose work transformed the campaign for equality in the United States and inspired generations of women.

Tennis legend and gender-equality campaigner Billie Jean King said Steinem had left a legacy that younger generations must continue.

“She lit a torch many years ago. It is now our responsibility to keep it lifted into the future,” King said.

Steinem began her journalism career in the 1960s, writing extensively about the discrimination and social restrictions faced by American women.

She gained national attention in 1963 after publishing an investigative report exposing the treatment of cocktail waitresses at New York’s Playboy Club.

Her transition into 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 years earlier, when the procedure was illegal.

In the 1970s, she became one of the leading architects of the modern US women’s movement, helping establish Ms. magazine and the National Women’s Political Caucus. She also played a key role in organising the first National Women’s Conference in Houston.

For decades, Steinem became a familiar face at feminist conferences, demonstrations and political events in the United States and abroad. She remained an outspoken advocate for women’s rights well into old age.

Following the US Supreme Court’s 2022 decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, which had recognised a constitutional right to abortion, Steinem renewed her criticism of abortion restrictions.

She argued that banning abortion did not eliminate the need for the procedure but instead threatened access to safe care.

Steinem was also known for encouraging activists to remain organised in the face of political setbacks, famously urging them: “Don’t agonize. Organize.”

Reflecting on her long career in an interview with AFP in 2019, she said older people had a responsibility to maintain hope because they had witnessed periods when conditions were worse.

Born in Ohio on March 25, 1934, Steinem spent much of her childhood travelling with her father, a travelling salesman. Her parents divorced when she was 10, after which she took on responsibilities caring for her mother.

As her prominence grew, Steinem faced criticism from both political opponents and sections of the feminist movement. Her appearance, short skirts and brief work as a Playboy Bunny were repeatedly used by critics in attempts to discredit her activism.

Her decision to remain unmarried and childless also attracted public scrutiny. However, at 66, she married businessman David Bale, father of actor Christian Bale.

When asked why she had changed her views on remaining single, Steinem famously replied, “I didn’t change. Marriage changed.”

Bale died three years later from brain cancer at the age of 62.

Steinem also survived breast cancer after undergoing surgery in the 1980s.

Despite her status as a feminist icon, Steinem was not without controversy. She faced criticism for defending Bill Clinton in 1989 after he was accused of sexual harassment while serving as governor of Arkansas.

She also apologised after remarks she made during Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign, suggesting that young women were supporting Bernie Sanders because young men supported him.

Throughout her career, Steinem received numerous awards and honours, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, presented to her by former US President Barack Obama in 2013.

Following news of her death, Obama described her as a “larger-than-life” figure whose activism helped draw attention to issues including domestic violence and discriminatory employment practices.

He said generations of women were able to “walk a little taller and aim a little higher” because of Steinem’s contributions.

Supporters and admirers gathered outside her Manhattan residence following the announcement, with many reflecting on the impact of her decades-long activism.

One visitor, Makenna Lorange, 31, who travelled from Boston, described herself as inspired and grateful for Steinem’s life and work.

“We’ve lost a little bit of light in the world,” she said.