Gloria Steinem, a pioneering feminist activist and writer, has died aged 92, with Meghan Markle paying an emotional tribute to her ‘friend and mentor’ following the feminist icon’s death
Meghan Markle has offered her condolences following the loss of her “friend and mentor” Gloria Steinem, whose passing was confirmed earlier today (September 3).
Gloria Steinem, who emerged as a pioneering figure in America’s women’s liberation movement, died aged 92 on Wednesday (September 2).
Steinem, a celebrated author and magazine editor, co-established the Women’s Action Alliance over half a century ago to tackle sexism and champion women’s rights. She launched her career as a journalist in New York before going on to help create Ms. magazine, amongst the first publications to tackle a wide spectrum of women’s concerns beyond conventional subjects like housekeeping and beauty.
The Duchess of Sussex was amongst those who honoured the feminist campaigner, reports the Express. In a post on Instagram, Meghan said: “Celebrating the life and legacy of my friend and mentor, Gloria Steinem, and also grateful to know that in these last few weeks and days she knew exactly how loved and admired she was.
“You all know her many accolades and the way in which she helped shape the world for women and all people – ‘we are linked, not ranked’ she would tell me, and the bracelet she gave me said exactly that. I still wear it with pride.”
“Publicly, we did interviews together, called young voters to encourage them to have their voices heard, attended award ceremonies, and brainstormed how to help this beautiful yet complicated world to become more equitable.
But privately, she was even better than you would imagine – spending Thanksgiving with our family, introducing me to one of my best friends (forever the champion of female friendship), loving our children with her whole heart, counseling me during hard times, and giving extraordinary advice and perspective with a cup of tea and an unrivaled cheekiness and wit.”
Steinem’s passing was announced on Thursday morning in a statement posted on her Instagram account which read: “Gloria’s near-century on earth were years well-lived, and she continued working for equality until the very end. Gloria’s greatest gift was her ability to listen to others, to make others feel seen and heard.
“Her words, actions and example gave people permission to be their truest selves. Gloria lived true to her independent spirit, always with curiosity and a great sense of humour.”
Gloria Steinem was a trailblazing American journalist, author and campaigner who became the best-known public face of second-wave feminism in the late 1960s and 1970s. She spent more than six decades fighting for women’s rights, reproductive freedom, civil rights and wider political change.
Before becoming a full-time activist, she made her name as an investigative reporter in New York. She shot to national fame in 1963 after going undercover as a “Playboy Bunny” at the Playboy Club, later exposing what she said were exploitative conditions behind the glamorous image – including poor pay, punishing rules and widespread harassment.
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