Kamala Harris, Hillary Clinton and Oprah Winfrey are among a slew of politicians, celebrities, writers and activists who are lauding Gloria Steinem as a revolutionary and inspiring figure. The celebrated author and activist, who became one of the most visible symbols and potent voices of the U.S. women’s movement, died Wednesday at her home in New York City. She was invested in young women and keeping the door open for the next generation of leaders, and her advocacy was always about fighting for the strength, intelligenc, and dignity of women everywhere.
She showed incredible support for women running for office, and I will always be grateful for her encouragement and support in my campaign for the presidency.” — the former vice president, on Facebook. Her activism was rooted in optimism, and that’s a moral choice she made every day. Even though we’ve faced setbacks to women’s full participation and equality in America and around the world, I want Gloria’s voice to remain in our heads.” — the former secretary of state, on social media.
No group was too small to deserve Gloria’s time. This is how she built the new women’s movement.” — actor and activist, on Instagram. She stood for everything I believed in: equality for women in the workplace, a woman’s right to choose, greater political representation for women, and a thoughtful, determined response to every form of gender-based discrimination.
She gave voice to these issues with fierce intelligence and steely determination, but also with wit, empathy, and humility. What made her so extraordinary was not only the strength of her convictions, but the humanity and grace with which she expressed them.” — singer and actor, on social media. For decades, she fought to make that freedom real for generations of women and girls.
She spoke up when it was difficult, listened to those whose voices too often went unheard, and never stopped pushing our country forward.” — the former first lady, on social media. What a light she was for me and so many others. What a debt we owe her.” — the philanthropist and businesswoman, on social media.
She understood about working from the bottom up — and she never really wanted credit for any of it. She always said if she wasn’t alive, there would still be a women’s movement. I think she underestimated her power.
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