Gloria Steinem, the pioneering American feminist and journalist, has died aged 92, prompting tributes from Hillary Clinton, Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, Oprah Winfrey and prominent figures across politics, entertainment and activism.
Steinem died on Wednesday, September 2, at her home in New York City, her foundation announced on Thursday. She remained an advocate for women’s equality, reproductive rights and social change for more than six decades.
Former president Joe Biden and former first lady Jill Biden said Steinem understood that equality began with women having the freedom to make decisions about their own bodies, health and futures.
Hillary Clinton, who was supported by Steinem during her 2008 and 2016 presidential campaigns, described her as “one of the architects of the entire structure of women’s equality”.
“She pushed open doors not just for herself, but for literally millions of women behind her,” Mrs Clinton wrote alongside a photograph of the two women.
Speaking to CBS, Mrs Clinton said she was “heartsick” at Steinem’s death and praised her “optimism” in the face of continued opposition to women’s rights. She said Steinem’s activism had helped make opportunities possible for generations of women.
Tributes to Gloria Steinem
Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, remembered Steinem as both a friend and a mentor. She said the pair had worked together publicly, including interviewing one another, encouraging young voters to take part in elections and discussing ways to make society more equitable.
Meghan also revealed that Steinem had spent Thanksgiving with her family, loved her children and offered advice during difficult periods. Recalling a meeting in New York, she quoted Steinem telling a woman who wanted her daughter to meet the feminist campaigner: “It doesn’t matter if she knows who I am. What matters is that she knows who SHE is.”
Oprah Winfrey said Steinem had challenged a culture that tried to dictate what women could be, do and how much space they could occupy. She added that Steinem had spent her life making that space wider for others.
Nancy Pelosi, the first woman to serve as speaker of the US House of Representatives, called Steinem “a fearless trailblazer who transformed the fight for equality in America and inspired generations of women to know their power”.
Carole King said women and girls would continue the struggle for “power, equality, and respect” while holding Steinem “in our hearts with love and gratitude”. Melinda French Gates praised the decades of energy and advocacy that helped women see they belonged wherever important decisions were made.
Jane Fonda said Steinem had helped countless women find their voices and the courage to stand up for themselves and others. Journalist Christiane Amanpour described her as one of the most important activists of all time.
Katie Couric credited Steinem with bringing women’s experiences into the mainstream, while Lena Dunham recalled her generosity, including the time Steinem placed one of her rings on the actor’s finger.
Steinem co-founded Ms. magazine in 1972 and became one of the most recognisable figures of the modern women’s movement. Her latest memoir, An Unexpected Life, is due to be published in the United States on September 22, just weeks after her death.
