Gloria Steinem, the writer, journalist and activist who became a defining figure of second-wave feminism and the women’s liberation movement, has died aged 92.
Steinem died on Wednesday at her home in New York City, according to an announcement made on her official Instagram page on Thursday. The announcement said she passed away peacefully, surrounded by some of the many who loved her. No cause of death was given.
She was a co-founder of Ms. Magazine and a trailblazing campaigner in the latter half of the 20th century. Her work as a community organiser, political campaigner and charismatic feminist activist made her one of the most recognisable advocates for women’s rights.
Steinem described herself as ‘an entrepreneur of social change’. She was an unflinching campaigner for women’s and civil rights, and her activism helped push through greater rights for women around the world.
Her causes ranged across domestic violence, female genital mutilation and pornography. She also campaigned against the Vietnam and Gulf wars. Her work galvanised a generation of activists and continued until the very end of her life.
Steinem’s home also served as a centre for social justice movements. She hosted ‘Talking Circles’ in her living room, bringing people together as part of her organising work.
Newsweek magazine in 1971 heralded Steinem as ‘The New Woman’. The description reflected the public prominence she had gained as feminism and the women’s liberation movement became major forces in public life.
Her representatives asked for donations to be made to Gloria’s Foundation.
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