‘She blazed in and opened my eyes to the real world’: Readers remember Gloria Steinem

By the Editorial Team · Wednesday, September 9, 2026

Gloria Steinem has been honored by individuals from diverse backgrounds who shared how her decades-long advocacy advanced feminism and gender equality. Her efforts contributed to significant social reforms like the Violence Against Women Act and inspired countless people worldwide to challenge gender norms and pursue leadership roles.

Gloria Steinem, a leading figure in the women’s rights movement whose career spanned several decades, has been remembered by a diverse group of individuals who reflect on her lasting impact on feminism and gender equality.

Steinem first emerged in public consciousness in the 1960s and 1970s as a champion for women’s rights, advocating that women be judged by their abilities rather than their gender. Readers and acquaintances alike credit her with helping them navigate and challenge the societal norms of their times. One woman from Switzerland recalled graduating as one of only three women in a male-dominated engineering program, finding in Steinem’s work a source of inspiration and empowerment.

Journalists and activists who encountered Steinem early in her career remember her as a dynamic and capable organizer. Nancy Harmon Jenkins, who met Steinem at the World Festival of Youth and Students in Vienna in 1959, described her as a vital organizer behind the scenes, combining intelligence and a vibrant personality that foreshadowed her future influence in the women’s movement.

Steinem’s accessibility and warmth left lasting impressions on those she met. In New York City in 2014, a commuter witnessed Steinem decline a seat on a subway train, yet engage graciously with a young woman who approached her, embodying a blend of humility and approachability uncommon among public figures. Others recalled meeting her during speaking engagements or activism events, where her presence was both inspiring and grounding.

Several respondents highlighted Steinem’s role in advancing specific legislative and social changes. One former domestic violence worker credited her with raising awareness about domestic violence issues, leading to important reforms such as the Violence Against Women Act of 1994. Another individual traced her own professional and personal development to Steinem’s advocacy, including support for the Equal Rights Amendment and a lifelong commitment to gender studies, shaped in part by Steinem’s influence.

Many who met Steinem in person described their encounters as brief but meaningful, underscoring the profound effect her work had on their lives. A retired attorney from Michigan recounted thanking Steinem at a keynote event in the 1990s for “making my life so difficult,” referring to the challenges and changes brought about by the feminist movement—a comment Steinem met with humor and warmth.

Steinem’s emphasis on diversity and representation was also remembered by those who worked alongside her. Maya Miller, a board member of the Ms Foundation, collaborated with Steinem on issues related to poverty and women’s rights, noting Steinem’s commitment to including women of various backgrounds in leadership roles.

From early activism to her lasting legacy in gender equality and women’s empowerment, Gloria Steinem’s impact continues to resonate among those influenced by her work across generations and continents.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.