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Gloria Steinem

Gloria Steinem is an American journalist, feminist, and political activist who became a leading public figure in second-wave feminism in the United States.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Gloria Steinem is an American journalist, feminist, and political activist who became a leading public figure in second-wave feminism in the United States. She co-founded Ms. magazine and the National Women’s Political Caucus, and has remained a prominent advocate for women’s rights and equality. Her work has influenced feminist movements and gender-equality debates beyond the United States, including in Canada.

Early life and education

Gloria Marie Steinem was born in Toledo, Ohio, in 1934. She was raised in Ohio and later attended Smith College.

Journalism and feminism

Steinem worked as a journalist and became closely associated with the women’s liberation movement. Her 1969 article "After Black Power, Women's Liberation" helped establish her as a prominent feminist voice and brought her wider national attention.

Organizations and media work

She was a columnist for New York magazine and helped found Ms. magazine. She also co-founded the National Women’s Political Caucus in 1971. These efforts supported women’s political participation and expanded feminist media.

Awards and legacy

Steinem received major recognition for her activism, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2013. She remains widely identified with second-wave feminism and women’s rights advocacy. For further reading on social justice activism, see the articles on Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi, and Al Sharpton.

Influence in Canada

Steinem’s activism and writing have influenced feminist movements and gender-equality debates beyond the United States, including in Canada, where her work is often discussed in the context of women’s rights and political participation.

Key facts

  • Steinem emerged as a nationally recognized leader of second-wave feminism in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
  • She was a columnist for New York magazine and helped found Ms. magazine.
  • In 1969, her article "After Black Power, Women's Liberation" brought her wider national attention.
  • She co-founded the National Women’s Political Caucus in 1971.
  • She received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2013.
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Canadian context

Steinem’s activism and writing have influenced feminist movements and gender-equality debates beyond the United States, including in Canada, where her work is often discussed in the context of women’s rights and political participation.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Gloria Steinem?
Gloria Steinem is an American journalist, writer, and feminist activist known for her leadership in the women’s liberation movement.
What is Gloria Steinem best known for?
She is best known for co-founding Ms. magazine and for her role as a leading figure in second-wave feminism.
When was Gloria Steinem born?
She was born on March 25, 1934.
What organizations did Gloria Steinem help found?
She co-founded Ms. magazine and the National Women’s Political Caucus.
Did Gloria Steinem receive major honors?
Yes. She received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2013.

References

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gloria_Steinem
    Supports: Birth date, journalism career, second-wave feminism, Ms. magazine, New York magazine, National Women’s Political Caucus
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannicahttps://www.britannica.com/biography/Gloria-Steinem
    Supports: Identity as American feminist/political activist/journalist, birth details, women’s liberation movement, Presidential Medal of Freedom
  3. National Women’s History Museumhttps://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/gloria-steinem
    Supports: Birthplace and birth date, prominence in women’s rights movement
  4. CNNhttps://www.cnn.com/us/gloria-steinem-fast-facts
    Supports: Birth name, birth date, birthplace, education
  5. Smith Collegehttps://libguides.smith.edu/scsc-steinem
    Supports: Smith College education, Ms. magazine co-founding, feminist career