In brief
Gloria Steinem’s career spanned more than 60 years of fierce activism in the United States, from exposing the harsh conditions of Playboy Bunnies to the frontlines of the feminist movement. She faced misogynistic criticism and harassment as she pushed forward for legislative victories, most notably the 1973 Supreme Court decision on abortion rights. The iconic founder of the Ms. Magazine and a tenacious campaigner saw the 2022 reversal of Roe v Wade and continued to be a voice of resistance until her death at age 92. Her passing marks the end of a pivotal era in the march toward gender equality. The story continues in full on the BBC News site.
Gloria Steinem, the iconic American feminist, dedicated more than sixty years to the fight for women’s rights and gender equality. By exposing the harsh realities of working undercover as a Playboy Bunny, she pushed a major magazine into the spotlight and set the stage for future feminist action.
Her career unfolded at a time of routine discrimination, and she endured sexist criticism and harassment from men who opposed her work. Yet her resolve never wavered; she became one of the most prominent voices of the movement.
Steinem’s activism delivered tangible victories. She helped usher in the 1973 Supreme Court decision Roe v Wade, which secured a woman’s right to abortion – a decision that would later be overturned in 2022. Nonetheless, she continued to champion feminist causes with unwavering dedication.
The celebrated feminist died on Wednesday at the age of 92. She never retired, and her death marks a profound loss for women’s rights worldwide. Her legacy is a testament to the power of perseverance and voice in shaping history.
