Gloria Steinem, the trailblazing writer and foundational figure of the United States feminist movement, has passed away at the age of 93, her eponymous foundation has confirmed. News of her death comes as a moment of national and global reflection on a decades-long career that reshaped conversations about gender equality, reproductive rights, and systemic discrimination against women.
In one of her final major public interviews, recorded with the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) in 2023, Steinem opened up about her reflections on her life’s work and the legacy she hoped to leave behind for future generations of activists. During that conversation, she spoke candidly about the slow, incremental progress of gender justice, the challenges that remained unaddressed, and the importance of grassroots organizing in driving lasting social change.
Steinem first rose to national prominence in the 1960s as a journalist, when her investigative reporting on gender inequality in the workplace brought mainstream attention to issues that had long been sidelined by mainstream media. She went on to co-found Ms. Magazine, one of the first national publications centered entirely on women’s perspectives and issues, and helped launch numerous organizations dedicated to advancing equal rights for women across all racial and economic backgrounds. Over the course of her life, she advocated for everything from reproductive freedom to equal pay, voting rights, and an end to gender-based violence, becoming a globally recognizable face of the second-wave feminist movement.
Following the announcement of her death, tributes have begun pouring in from activists, politicians, and public figures around the world, who have praised Steinem for her unwavering commitment to justice and her ability to inspire generations of women to find their own voices. While her passing marks the end of an era, the work she built continues to shape ongoing movements for gender equity today.