Gloria Steinem, the American feminist activist and journalist, has di£d at the age of 92.
Steinem “passed away peacefully at her home in New York City, surrounded by some of the many who loved her”, a statement shared to her Instagram page said.
“Gloria’s near-century on earth were years well-lived, and she continued working for equality until the very end,” the post announcing her passing added.
“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.”
Steinem’s activism helped push through greater rights for women around the world. She brought a feminist perspective into the mainstream through rigorous journalism, public speaking and activism.
The author of nine books, she campaigned against domestic violence, female genital mutilation, the pornography industry and the Vietnam and Gulf wars.
She also worked in support of causes including Black Lives Matter, the reunification of Korea, female reproductive rights, LGBTQ rights and the Times Up movement.
In 1984, she was arrested while protesting against apartheid outside the South African embassy in Washington DC.
Steinem used her platform to speak out for those traditionally ignored, including black people, ethnic minorities and the working class.
In 1986, Steinem was diagnosed with breast cancer, then in 1994 the chronic pain condition trigeminal neuralgia.
After years of dismissing marriage, she got married at age 66 to environmental activist David Bale in 2000.
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She remained close with her stepson, the actor Christian Bale, after his father’s d£ath in 2003.