Gloria Steinem, feminist who helped change lives of US women, has died

Gloria Steinem, a pioneering feminist and journalist who shed light on women's rights through her work, has passed away at the age of 92. The American activist, who penned nine books, left an indelible mark on the fight for gender equality. Steinem's journey began in Ohio in 1934, where she spent part of her childhood in a trailer.

Her mother's mental health struggles had a profound impact on the family, leading to Steinem living with her mother in Toledo after her parents divorced when she was ten years old. Her life took an international turn when she spent two years working as a legal clerk at India's Supreme Court after graduating from a women's liberal arts college in 1956.

Steinem's career gained momentum in 1962 when she contributed an article on contraception to Esquire magazine. She later gained notoriety for infiltrating the Playboy Club as a Bunny for 11 days, exposing the harsh realities faced by women working in the industry. In 1968, Steinem joined New York magazine, where she wrote about an abortion "speakout" in Greenwich Village, further solidifying her position as a leading voice in the feminist movement.

Steinem co-founded Ms magazine in 1971 alongside Dorothy Pitman Hughes, using her platform to address issues of gender, race, and economic inequality. Her activism extended beyond the United States, as she protested against apartheid in South Africa, criticized Donald Trump, and co-chaired the Women's March on Washington in 2017.