Gloria Steinem: A Revolutionary Feminist Activist, Journalist and Co-Founder of Ms. Magazine
For the past six decades, Gloria Steinem has been one of the most recognizable and influential names in the human and civil rights movements. She is a feminist activist, a journalist, and an author who has devoted her life to sparking conversations and advocating for women’s equality and liberation in all spheres.
Steinem is also the co-founder of Ms. Magazine, one of the first publications dedicated to providing amplified representation of women’s experiences and stories. Her world-renowned efforts in social justice, human rights, and women’s liberation have long-lasting ramifications for our society and continue to empower people today.
Early Life and Education
Gloria Steinem was born on March 25th, 1934 in Toledo, Ohio to Ruth and Leo Steinem. Her parents divorced when she was young and her mother, who was often admitted to psychiatric hospitals due to a mental illness, raised Steinem and her sister alone. In her autobiography, Steinem credits her mother’s life decisions and outlook on the world for sparking her passion for gender equality and influencing her later works.
Steinem attended Smith College, where she studied government and graduated with highest honors in 1956. After college, Steinem pursued a career in journalism and worked for several publications in Long Island, NY. During this time, Steinem experienced firsthand the chauvinistic attitudes towards female journalists in the industry. In response to this intense sexism, Steinem wrote several articles detailing her negative experiences and the inequality she witnessed on a daily basis. It was this work that paved the way for her later success as a feminist activist and journalist.
Feminist Activism
Steinem is best known for her tireless efforts in the women’s liberation movement, an era that spanned the 1970s and 1980s. It was during this time that Steinem joined a number of other activists, such as Betty Friedan, to broaden public discourse on women’s rights. It was also during this time that Steinem participated in several now-famous protests, such as the legalization of abortion and Equal Rights Amendment amendment.
The 1970s was an incredibly influential time for Steinem and her career, a period that saw her become the founder and leader of many renowned organizations and publications. In 1971, she founded the Women’s Political Caucus and helped to create the very first National Women’s Political Party. Additionally, Steinem and several other female inhabitants of New York City became the founders and organizers of the Ms. Magazine in 1972. This magazine, which provided women with a platform to amplify and share their stories, went on to become one of the most revolutionary women’s liberation magazines of its time.
Continued Influence
Steinem’s influence, advocacy and activism continue to be felt today. In 2013, Steinem and two of her associates organized the internationally renowned Women’s Media Center. This organization works to create equality and representation in media by amplifying the voices of women and underrepresented demographics.
In 2019, Steinem was instrumental in the passage of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA). She played an essential role in lobbying state legislatures to ratify the amendment, which would ensure that women would have equal protection under the United States Constitution. The ERA was ultimately ratified in Virginia on January 27th, 2020 and is a major accomplishment for Steinem and her fellow activists.
In December of 2020, Steinem was named one of the recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award in the United States. She has consistently used her platform to call for gender and racial equality, civil rights, and a more equal society, and the validity of her efforts have been recognized by the president and the nation.
Throughout her life, Gloria Steinem has undoubtedly been a game-changed and revolutionary figure. Her continued commitment to public discourse and advocating for social justice, as exemplified by her various initiatives and ventures, have been integral towards advancing gender equality in both public and private spheres. Through her lifelong dedication and service, Steinem’s name is not just one that is remembered in history; it is one that is greatly revered.
