Gloria Steinem, the trailblazing American feminist, writer and activist whose work helped shape the modern women’s movement, has died at the age of 92.

The renowned women’s rights advocate died peacefully at her home in New York City on Wednesday, according to her foundation. Her death was announced on September 3, prompting tributes from prominent figures and organisations around the world.

Steinem spent more than five decades campaigning for gender equality, reproductive rights and social justice. As one of the most recognisable figures of second-wave feminism, she became a powerful voice for women in the United States and beyond.

Her foundation described Steinem as someone who continued working for equality until the end of her life, highlighting her ability to make people feel seen and heard.

Born on March 25, 1934, in Toledo, Ohio, Steinem began her career as a journalist before becoming one of the most influential activists of her generation.

She first gained national attention in 1963 after going undercover as a Playboy Bunny at the New York Playboy Club. Her two-part exposé, published in Show magazine, documented the poor working conditions and sexist treatment experienced by women employed at the club.

The investigation became one of the defining moments of her early journalism career and helped establish her reputation as a writer willing to challenge powerful institutions.

However, Steinem’s involvement in the feminist movement grew significantly during the late 1960s. After covering an event at which women spoke openly about their experiences seeking illegal abortions, she became increasingly committed to advocating for women’s rights and reproductive freedom.

In 1971, she co-founded Ms. Magazine, a groundbreaking publication that placed women’s issues at the centre of public and political discussions.

The magazine addressed topics including abortion, equal pay, domestic violence and gender discrimination at a time when many mainstream publications aimed at women focused largely on beauty, cooking and traditional domestic life.

Through Ms. Magazine and her extensive public speaking, Steinem helped bring feminist ideas to a wider audience. She became one of the most visible representatives of the women’s liberation movement throughout the 1970s and remained an influential advocate for gender equality for decades afterwards.

Beyond Journalism

Steinem also helped establish several organisations dedicated to advancing women’s rights and political participation. These included the National Women’s Political Caucus, the Coalition of Labor Union Women, the Women’s Media Center and Voters for Choice.

Her activism extended beyond gender equality to issues involving race, civil rights, political representation and social justice. Throughout her career, she emphasised the importance of listening to people’s experiences and ensuring that marginalised communities were represented in public conversations.

Steinem was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honour in the United States, by former President Barack Obama in 2013.

Despite becoming a global symbol of feminism, Steinem continued to describe herself as someone committed to learning from the experiences of others. She remained active as a writer, speaker and organiser well into her later years.

Her life and career inspired numerous books, documentaries and dramatic productions. Her 2015 memoir, My Life on the Road, reflected on her years of travelling across the United States and meeting people whose stories influenced her understanding of activism and social change.

The memoir was later adapted into the 2020 film The Glorias, which chronicled different periods of Steinem’s life.

Steinem was also known for challenging conventional expectations about women and their personal lives. She married for the first time at the age of 66, saying her decision reflected the feminist principle that women should have the freedom to make choices according to their own circumstances.

Following the announcement of her death, tributes have highlighted Steinem’s enduring influence on generations of activists, writers and women around the world.

Her death marks the passing of one of the most prominent figures associated with the modern feminist movement, but her contributions to journalism and activism continue to shape conversations surrounding equality, reproductive freedom and women’s rights.

Gloria Steinem leaves behind a legacy built on decades of advocacy, writing and activism. From her early days as an investigative journalist to her role as a leading voice in the women’s movement, she remained committed to challenging inequality and encouraging others to speak up.

Her life serves as a reminder of the role activism and storytelling can play in creating social change. As tributes continue to pour in, Steinem’s influence is likely to remain visible in the movements and conversations she helped inspire for generations to come.