Feminist Gloria Steinem Dies at 92

Gloria Steinem, one of the best-known American figures of second-wave feminism, has died at 92. She died at home in New York on Wednesday surrounded by loved ones, her representative said in a statement issued Thursday. The cause of death was not disclosed.

Steinem campaigned for decades on women’s sexual rights, equality at work and the prevention of domestic violence. Her representatives said she continued working for equality until the end of her life. A memorial posted on her Instagram account said, “Gloria’s nearly a century on Earth was well lived.” It described her as independent and curious, with a strong sense of humor, and praised her ability to listen and make people feel seen.

In her later years, Steinem focused especially on writing and bringing people together. She hosted discussion gatherings at her New York home known as Talking Circles. A book titled “An Unexpected Life” is also due to be published.

Steinem first became widely known as a journalist in 1963, when she went undercover as a waitress at a Playboy club. Her report described poor working conditions and the treatment of women at the clubs. In 1968, she helped establish New York magazine and worked there as a political columnist. Three years later, she helped found the feminist Ms. magazine, which became a key publication of the American women’s movement.

She also helped establish the National Women’s Political Caucus in 1971, an organization aimed at increasing the number of women in politics. Born in Toledo, Ohio, on March 25, 1934, Steinem graduated from Smith College in 1956 and spent two years in India before moving to New York. President Barack Obama awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the United States’ highest civilian honor, in 2013.

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Gloria’s nearly a century on Earth was well lived.