The feminist flame she lit still burns

Gloria Steinem’s greatest contribution to humanity's vital and noble project of feminism is her ability to call out injustices and ignite the fires of discontent. Crucially, she helped create a global understanding that feminism is not a partisan project, but rather a recognition of the equality and humanity of both women and men.

By defining feminism in this way, she gave generations of women the tools to see and challenge patriarchy. As a young woman entering Lady Shri Ram College in 1970, I was struck by the ferment of second-wave feminism, as represented by writers such as Kate Millett, Shulamith Firestone and Germaine Greer. My generation of Indian women, with feminist parents, were beginning to internalize these ideas and embody them.

In my chapter on feminism in Delhi University's Celebrating 100 Glorious Years (2022), I described the three streams of feminism — liberal or mainstream, radical liberalism and cultural or difference feminism. My parents defined their feminism through the Hindu belief in nari shakti, the Tridevis and Ardhanarishwar, never making me feel secondary.

Steinem's writings, speeches and call to wage "a million mutinies every day" to assert equal rights inspired me and made me brave in my own life. Steinem's influence extended beyond India when she came to India on a Chester Bowles Asian Fellowship, living and traveling with Indian women activists. Her ideas traveled back to India, and now, as founding deputy executive director of UN Women, I spent seven years helping build the UN's first global entity dedicated to gender equality and women's empowerment.

Steinem's support for UN Women provided me with inspiration, validation, guidance and solidarity. During my time working alongside my icon, I visited her New York home, adorned with Indian art and colors, and shared my thoughts about empowering women through traditional values. Despite the fierce reversals and setbacks, Steinem's impact on history and the "herstory" she helped script remains undeniable.

Even though the winds of backlash may buffet the flame she lit, it burns on in movements, institutions, laws and generations of women carrying forward Steinem's mission.