Steinem's Humanist Legacy Leaves Lasting Impact on Society

Feminist icon Gloria Steinem passed away on September 2 at her home in New York City, surrounded by loved ones. She was 92 years old.

Steinem's career spanned decades and revolutionized the way women were treated in society. Born in Ohio, she moved to New York to begin a journalism career, where women were expected to write about beauty and housekeeping, not politics.

In 1963, Steinem gained national recognition for her exposé 'A Bunny's Tale,' which documented the exploitative labor conditions and systemic sexual harassment faced by Playboy Bunnies. Although the piece caused a stir, it also made it harder for her to be taken seriously as a journalist for years afterward.

Undeterred, Steinem co-founded New York magazine in 1968 and Ms. magazine in 1972, which became a platform for discussing reproductive rights, domestic violence, and workplace inequality in mainstream publications. She also established the Women's Action Alliance, the National Women's Political Caucus, and the Ms. Foundation for Women.

Steinem spent her career arguing that feminism was not just a women's issue but a human one, saying 'Once men realize that the gender roles are a prison for them too, then they become really valuable allies.' She believed that by challenging rigid masculine roles, men could extend their lifespan and lead healthier lives.