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Mon, 19 Oct, 2026Updated 06:31 pm IST
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Gloria Steinem Dies At 92

Feminist icon's 6-decade fight for women's rights leaves lasting legacy, from Playboy exposé to Presidential Medal of Freedom

Gloria Steinem Dies At 92
Photo: Jewish Women's Archive / wikimedia (BY-SA)

Story timeline2 updates

  1. Hillary Clinton called Steinem a fearless trailblazer and one of the architects of women's equality.

  2. Story published. Feminist icon's 6-decade fight for women's rights leaves lasting legacy, from Playboy exposé to Presidential Medal of Freedom

Gloria Steinem, a fierce feminist trailblazer, has died at the age of 92. She passed away peacefully at her home in New York City, surrounded by loved ones.

Steinem was a pioneering figure in the women's liberation movement, using her skills as a writer, activist, and public speaker to champion the cause of equal rights for American women for more than six decades. She co-founded Ms. Magazine and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's top civilian honor.

One of Steinem's most notable achievements was going undercover as a Playboy Bunny in 1963, where she wrote an exposé about the poor working conditions endured by the servers in Hugh Hefner's famed Playboy clubs. This experience helped launch her into national fame and cement her status as a leading voice for women's rights.

Born on March 25, 1934, in Toledo, Ohio, Steinem graduated from Smith College in 1956. She dedicated her life to causes ranging from reproductive freedom and domestic violence prevention to workplace gender inequalities. Her work helped radically change rights for women, enabling them to apply for credit cards without a man's signature, be admitted to Ivy League schools that previously barred them, and legally get an abortion in the United States.

## Why it matters Steinem's legacy extends far beyond her own achievements, as she played a crucial role in shaping the women's liberation movement of the 1960s. Her tireless advocacy for social justice and women's rights has inspired generations of women to fight for equality and challenge societal norms. As a pioneer of second-wave feminism, Steinem's work has had a lasting impact on the lives of women in the United States and around the world.

Steinem passed away on September 3, 2026, but her near-century on earth was marked by a commitment to equality and justice until the very end. Her death is a significant loss for the feminist movement, but her legacy will continue to inspire and empower women for generations to come.

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