Gloria Steinem, who pushed for gender equality, dies at 92

September 3, 2026

Gloria Steinem, a pioneering feminist leader and journalist who became the iconic face of second-wave feminism, has passed away at age 92. Her career spanned from the 1960s through the #MeToo era, during which she founded Ms. magazine, championed reproductive and labor rights, and used journalism as a tool for feminist activism.

Who is affected

Gloria Steinem's four adult stepchildren, including actor Christian Bale
Generations of feminists and women's rights advocates who were influenced by Steinem's work
The broader feminist movement, particularly second-wave feminism
Women's rights organizations and publications, especially Ms. magazine
Women who benefited from the reproductive rights, labor rights, and gender equality movements Steinem championed

What action is being taken

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Why it matters

Gloria Steinem's death marks the loss of one of the most recognizable and influential voices in American feminism who fundamentally shaped conversations about gender equality, reproductive rights, and women's agency for over six decades. Her work through journalism and activism, particularly founding Ms. magazine, created platforms and language that allowed multiple generations to discuss and advance women's rights. Her legacy is significant both for her groundbreaking contributions to women's empowerment and for embodying the evolution of feminist thought, including the movement's struggles with intersectionality and the willingness to reconsider previous positions in light of new understandings about power and consent.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The 19th