She spent decades advocating for women’s rights – now she’s 92

She reached nationwide fame in the 1970s and became the center of attention in the fight for a better future. Now, at 92, this powerhouse woman is still sparking debate and emotions and continues to change people’s lives.

The American activist has traveled across the country for many years, speaking about equality and justice. She never stopped standing up for what she believed in, and over time, she became known worldwide.

Now in her 90s, people still recognize her right away. She has become a powerful symbol of the movement that changed how people see gender, power, and fairness. She has inspired generations – and still to this day remains an inspiration for women worldwide.

Gloria Steinem was born in Toledo, Ohio, on March 25, 1934. Her childhood was heavily influenced by the fact that she had to take care of her clinically depressed mother, and therefore didn’t start school until she was nine years old.

During her senior year of high school, she moved to Washington, D.C., to live with her older sister, and what followed was the start of her career as an activist.

(Original Caption) Rep. Bella Abzug, (D-N.Y.), feminist Gloria Steinem and Lt. Gov. Maryann Krupsak of New York (L-R) chat with the marchers and newsmen in midtown Manhattan prior to the start of the International Women’s Day March. Some 2,000 women from all walks of life joined the solidarity march in which they demanded full economic political, legal, sexual and racial equality and the right to control their own lives and bodies. (Photo by Bettmann Archive/Getty Images)

She graduated from Smith College in 1956 and later traveled to India after receiving a scholarship. There, she joined several nonviolent protests against the government and its policies.

Gloria Steinem

Steinem returned to the U.S in 1960 and began working as a writer and journalist. Three years later, she gained fame with her article, “I Was a Playboy Bunny,” which detailed her experiences at Hugh Hefner’s Playboy Mansion.

Her work became increasingly political, focusing specifically on feminist activism. Gloria cofounded Ms. Magazine, which pushed far beyond traditional roles for women and sparked a nationwide conversation about gender equality.

Later, Stenhem also co-founded Ms. Foundation, specifically for women, and the Women’s Media Center. In the 1970s, Gloria Steinem’s activism continued as she led marches nationwide for women’s rights and became an in-demand speaker.

In 1972, she and other feminists, including Congresswoman Bella Abzug, Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm, and feminist Betty Friedan, created the National Women’s Political Caucus. To this day, it continues to support gender equality and ensure the election of more pro-equality women to public office.

American journalist, activist and feminist Gloria Steinem in her New York City apartment, 2nd November 1990. (Photo by Barbara Alper/Getty Images)

Her activism always focused on including women from all races and social classes. By traveling around the country and giving speeches, she helped more and more people support women’s rights.

This is Gloria Steinem at 92

Gloria Steinem married for the first time in 2000. She, 62 at the time, and entrepreneur David Bale tied the knot, but just four years later, tragedy struck as he passed away.

Meanwhile, Gloria decided not to have children. When appearing on the talk show Chelsea, she stated that she was not for a “millisecond” wanting to have kids.

“Somebody said, not everybody with a womb has to have a child like not everybody with vocal cords has to be an opera singer. You know, it’s a choice and it’s a wonderful choice. But if everybody has to do it, it’s no longer a choice,” Gloria Steinem said.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 02: Gloria Steinem attends Gloria Steinem and Leymah Gbowee in conversation with Amy Richards: “Rise, Girl, Rise” at 92NY on February 02, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)

Gloria Steinem is widely seen as a pioneer in women’s rights. In 2013, she received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which recognized her contributions to equality and her influence on women’s rights.

Steinem turned 92 years old on March 25. Despite her age, she remains an important figure in the fight for equality. She has more than 670,000 followers on Instagram, and recently released her new memoir, An Unexpected Life.

“I don’t want to die saying but–” Gloria Steinem told Vanity Fair.

Gloria Steinem is an incredible person who will be remembered forever. Please share this article to honor her life’s work for women’s rights!

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