Gloria Steinem, one of the most influential voices of the feminist movement, died on Thursday (Sep 4), leaving behind a legacy of activism, writing and political organising. But long before she became a global feminist icon, a young Steinem arrived in India – an experience that would shape how she understood inequality, history and social change.At 22, shortly after graduating from Smith College, Steinem travelled to India on a Chester Bowles Asian Fellowship. She spent about a year at Miranda House in Delhi, where she learnt to wear a sari, navigate city buses and supplement her income through sari advertisements. She also helped design sandals and wrote promotional material.More importantly, India challenged the assumptions she had carried from the United States.“Being in that country (India) shattered Western romantic illusions with little ceremony, but it replaced them with new impressions far more real and less easily forgotten,” she wrote in her memoir, An Unexpected Life.“As I learned once I was there, many Americans seem to have skipped from a sketchy knowledge of ancient India to a misunderstanding of its diversity. The teachings of Gandhi introduced me to nonhierarchical thinking, which I came to learn was the most common way of thinking in much of the rest of the world, too,” she added.<h2>Learning from Gandhi’s grassroots approach</h2>After completing her studies at Miranda House in 1957, Steinem chose to travel across India rather than immediately return home. Her journey took her to Calcutta, southern India and Bombay, while her time at Paramdham Ashram Pawnar, a community associated with Gandhian reformer Vinoba Bhave, proved particularly influential.Travelling with Bhave’s followers exposed her to an approach to activism that placed ordinary people at the centre of change.“Going from village to village with Vinoba Bhave’s followers and learning about Gandhian activism probably helped me to become what I am today,” Steinem said in a 2007 interview. “But, if you want to know how people live, you have to go where they live; if you want people to listen to you, you have to listen to them. I learned that in India.”She later recalled the lessons she carried back to the US: “Change comes from the bottom up, not the top down; to learn, you must listen; to be heard you must speak; and to bring change against all odds, you must fight “as if it matters”.”<h2>From Miranda House to the feminist movement</h2>Steinem also credited her meeting with social reformer Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay with changing how she viewed history and power.“Because of Kamaladevi, I also began to understand the politics of history. I would never again accept my history books so uncritically,” she wrote.After returning to the US, Steinem immersed herself in women’s shelters, clinics, campus centres and welfare protests. In 1971, she co-founded Ms. magazine and helped establish the National Women’s Political Caucus, later contributing to organisations including the Women’s Media Center and Voters for Choice.Her activism drew hostility, including from President Richard Nixon, but criticism did little to slow her work. She received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2013.Miranda House remained part of her life. She returned in 2014, recalling the friendships and experiences that had shaped her. Her legacy, however, extended far beyond the college — and across continents.As Hillary Clinton said after her death: “Steinem pushed open doors not just for herself, but for literally millions of women behind her.”

Gloria Steinem’s transformative years in India, including her time at Delhi’s Miranda House and exposure to Gandhian activism, deeply influenced her feminist philosophy and activism.

Gloria Steinem, one of the most influential voices of the feminist movement, died on Thursday (Sep 4), leaving behind a legacy of activism, writing and political organising. But long before she became a global feminist icon, a young Steinem arrived in India – an experience that would shape how she understood inequality, history and social change. At 22, shortly after graduating from Smith College, Steinem travelled to India on a Chester Bowles Asian Fellowship. She spent about a year at Miranda House in Delhi, where she learnt to wear a sari, navigate city buses and supplement her income through sari advertisements. She also helped design sandals and wrote promotional material. More importantly, India challenged the assumptions she had carried from the United States. “Being in that country (India) shattered Western romantic illusions with little ceremony, but it replaced them with new impressions far more real and less easily forgotten,” she wrote in her memoir, An Unexpected Life. “As I learned once I was there, many Americans seem to have skipped from a sketchy knowledge of ancient India to a misunderstanding of its diversity. The teachings of Gandhi introduced me to nonhierarchical thinking, which I came to learn was the most common way of thinking in much of the rest of the world, too,” she added. Learning from Gandhi’s grassroots approach After completing her studies at Miranda House in 1957, Steinem chose to travel across India rather than immediately return home. Her journey took her to Calcutta, southern India and Bombay, while her time at Paramdham Ashram Pawnar, a community associated with Gandhian reformer Vinoba Bhave, proved particularly influential. Travelling with Bhave’s followers exposed her to an approach to activism that placed ordinary people at the centre of change. “Going from village to village with Vinoba Bhave’s followers and learning about Gandhian activism probably helped me to become what I am today,” Steinem said in a 2007 interview. “But, if you want to know how people live, you have to go where they live; if you want people to listen to you, you have to listen to them. I learned that in India.” She later recalled the lessons she carried back to the US: “Change comes from the bottom up, not the top down; to learn, you must listen; to be heard you must speak; and to bring change against all odds, you must fight “as if it matters”.” From Miranda House to the feminist movement Steinem also credited her meeting with social reformer Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay with changing how she viewed history and power. “Because of Kamaladevi, I also began to understand the politics of history. I would never again accept my history books so uncritically,” she wrote. After returning to the US, Steinem immersed herself in women’s shelters, clinics, campus centres and welfare protests. In 1971, she co-founded Ms. magazine and helped establish the National Women’s Political Caucus, later contributing to organisations including the Women’s Media Center and Voters for Choice. Her activism drew hostility, including from President Richard Nixon, but criticism did little to slow her work. She received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2013. Miranda House remained part of her life. She returned in 2014, recalling the friendships and experiences that had shaped her. Her legacy, however, extended far beyond the college — and across continents. As Hillary Clinton said after her death: “Steinem pushed open doors not just for herself, but for literally millions of women behind her.”

Gloria Steinem’s transformative years in India, including her time at Delhi’s Miranda House and exposure to Gandhian activism, deeply influenced her feminist philosophy and activism.

How India shaped Gloria Steinem’s journey into a feminist icon

Gloria Steinem, the American writer, lecturer, activist and feminist organiser who fought for Gender equality, died at the age of 92 on Wednesday. Her foundation announced her death in an Instagram post on Thursday. She died “surrounded by some of the many who loved her,” said the foundation in the statement.“Gloria’s near-century on earth were years well-lived, and she continued working for equality until the very end,” said the statement. She was awarded for her decade-long service as advocating for women’s rights in 2013 with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the United Nations’ Society of Writers Award and the National Gay Rights Advocates Award.<h2>Steinem's journey to feminism</h2>Steinem was born on March 25, 1934, in Toledo, Ohio. She was the younger of two daughters. Her father was a travelling antique dealer. Because the family moved frequently, she did not attend school regularly till seventh standard. &nbsp;Her grandmother served as chair of the educational committee of the National Woman Suffrage Association and helped rescue members of her family who were Jewish from Germany in the 1930s.Her mother suffered from a mental breakdown and depression after she separated from her father. She used to live with her mother and take care of her since the age of 11, which impacted her thinking. She once famously said she had taken care of a big baby and does not want a young one.In the 1960s, after graduating, she tried to work in a male-dominated field of 1960s journalism, where she was often sexualised and dismissed for her Gender.&nbsp;In 1963, she worked as a cocktail waitress to write the groundbreaking expose, "A Bunny's ⁠Tale," about the poor and sexist working conditions of the playboy bunnies. The story effectively launched her career.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sonam-wangchuk-rejects-foreign-links-cjp-protest-1788432751945">‘Not handled by any outside power’: Sonam Wangchuk rejects foreign links to CJP protests</a>Steinem became one of the faces of the second wave of feminism in the 1960s and 70s, bridging the gap between activism and media representation, due to her media-savvy profile. Though she identified herself as a radical feminist, she was more of the liberal and mainstream face of second-wave feminism, advocating for women’s rights in the workplace, the right to abortion and sex education. During her time, the nascent feminist movement was mostly associated with white upper-class women. She was a white, college-educated woman and aware of her privileges. She frequently partnered with Black Feminist Dorothy Pitman Hughes and Margaret Sloan-Hunte to emphasise the identity of the women of colour in the narrative of the movement. In an influential 1969 article for New York Magazine, “After Black Power, Women’s Liberation, she drew parallels between Black Power Movement and the feminist movement, urging them to together form a “revolutionary vanguard”. Along with Dorothy Pitman Hughes, she co-founded Ms Magazine in 1972, which is considered to be the first national American feminist magazine.&nbsp;<h2>Controversies and criticisms</h2>Despite being an avid supporter of reproductive freedom, Steinem kept her abortion secret for roughly 10 years. She always criticised marriage but later married David Bale, father of the Hollywood Star Christian Bale. She was also accused of collaborating with the CIA, and participating in events sponsored by CIA-funded organisations in the 1950s. A 2016 New York Times profile of her claimed she “started her career as a C.I.A. operative,” which she promptly disputed.&nbsp;“I was never told what to say or do at two Soviet-led youth festivals more than a half-century ago where American attendance was funded by C.I.A.-backed foundations,” she wrote in response.She also made the controversial argument that the relationship between Former US Presidnet Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinsky was not sexual harassment, which she later said: “wouldn’t write the same thing now.”&nbsp;

Gloria Steinem, pioneering feminist writer, activist and co-founder of Ms. magazine, has died at 92. Here's a look at her life, legacy and controversies.

Gloria Steinem, the American writer, lecturer, activist and feminist organiser who fought for Gender equality, died at the age of 92 on Wednesday. Her foundation announced her death in an Instagram post on Thursday. She died “surrounded by some of the many who loved her,” said the foundation in the statement. “Gloria’s near-century on earth were years well-lived, and she continued working for equality until the very end,” said the statement. She was awarded for her decade-long service as advocating for women’s rights in 2013 with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the United Nations’ Society of Writers Award and the National Gay Rights Advocates Award. Steinem's journey to feminism Steinem was born on March 25, 1934, in Toledo, Ohio. She was the younger of two daughters. Her father was a travelling antique dealer. Because the family moved frequently, she did not attend school regularly till seventh standard. Her grandmother served as chair of the educational committee of the National Woman Suffrage Association and helped rescue members of her family who were Jewish from Germany in the 1930s. Her mother suffered from a mental breakdown and depression after she separated from her father. She used to live with her mother and take care of her since the age of 11, which impacted her thinking. She once famously said she had taken care of a big baby and does not want a young one. In the 1960s, after graduating, she tried to work in a male-dominated field of 1960s journalism, where she was often sexualised and dismissed for her Gender. In 1963, she worked as a cocktail waitress to write the groundbreaking expose, "A Bunny's ⁠Tale," about the poor and sexist working conditions of the playboy bunnies. The story effectively launched her career. Also Read: ‘Not handled by any outside power’: Sonam Wangchuk rejects foreign links to CJP protests Steinem became one of the faces of the second wave of feminism in the 1960s and 70s, bridging the gap between activism and media representation, due to her media-savvy profile. Though she identified herself as a radical feminist, she was more of the liberal and mainstream face of second-wave feminism, advocating for women’s rights in the workplace, the right to abortion and sex education. During her time, the nascent feminist movement was mostly associated with white upper-class women. She was a white, college-educated woman and aware of her privileges. She frequently partnered with Black Feminist Dorothy Pitman Hughes and Margaret Sloan-Hunte to emphasise the identity of the women of colour in the narrative of the movement. In an influential 1969 article for New York Magazine, “After Black Power, Women’s Liberation, she drew parallels between Black Power Movement and the feminist movement, urging them to together form a “revolutionary vanguard”. Along with Dorothy Pitman Hughes, she co-founded Ms Magazine in 1972, which is considered to be the first national American feminist magazine. Controversies and criticisms Despite being an avid supporter of reproductive freedom, Steinem kept her abortion secret for roughly 10 years. She always criticised marriage but later married David Bale, father of the Hollywood Star Christian Bale. She was also accused of collaborating with the CIA, and participating in events sponsored by CIA-funded organisations in the 1950s. A 2016 New York Times profile of her claimed she “started her career as a C.I.A. operative,” which she promptly disputed. “I was never told what to say or do at two Soviet-led youth festivals more than a half-century ago where American attendance was funded by C.I.A.-backed foundations,” she wrote in response. She also made the controversial argument that the relationship between Former US Presidnet Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinsky was not sexual harassment, which she later said: “wouldn’t write the same thing now.”

Gloria Steinem, pioneering feminist writer, activist and co-founder of Ms. magazine, has died at 92. Here's a look at her life, legacy and controversies.

Gloria Steinem, feminist trailblazer and co-founder of Ms magazine, dies at 92

Feminist icon Gloria Steinem, one of the leaders of the American women's movement in the 1970s and 1980s, was Wednesday awarded Spain's prestigious Princess of Asturias communications and humanities prize.

The 87-year-old US journalist and activist was described "a motor of one of the great revolutions of contemporary society," in a statement from the prize organisers.

"Over six decades, her solid and tireless commitment to feminism, her awareness and her willingness to include all voices, have promoted equality as one of the fundamental values of humanity," it added.

Spain's Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who has made feminism a banner of his government, congratulated Steinem, calling her a "tireless fighter for women's rights".

"A very deserved recognition, which is also for a crucial and unstoppable movement: feminism," he added in a tweet.

Previous winners of the award include US photographer Annie Leibovitz, Argentine comic musical group Les Luthiers and Japanese video game designer Shigeru Miyamoto, the creator of "Super Mario Bros".

The 50,000-euro ($61,000) award is one of eight Asturias prizes handed out yearly by a foundation named for Crown Princess Leonor.

Others categories include social sciences, sport and scientific research.

The awards are presented each autumn in the northern city of Oviedo in a ceremony broadcast live on Spanish TV.

Feminist icon Gloria Steinem, one of the leaders of the American women's movement in the 1970s and 1980s, was Wednesday awarded Spain's prestigious Princess of Asturias communications and humanities prize.

Feminist icon Gloria Steinem, one of the leaders of the American women's movement in the 1970s and 1980s, was Wednesday awarded Spain's prestigious Princess of Asturias communications and humanities prize. The 87-year-old US journalist and activist was described "a motor of one of the great revolutions of contemporary society," in a statement from the prize organisers. "Over six decades, her solid and tireless commitment to feminism, her awareness and her willingness to include all voices, have promoted equality as one of the fundamental values of humanity," it added. Spain's Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who has made feminism a banner of his government, congratulated Steinem, calling her a "tireless fighter for women's rights". "A very deserved recognition, which is also for a crucial and unstoppable movement: feminism," he added in a tweet. Previous winners of the award include US photographer Annie Leibovitz, Argentine comic musical group Les Luthiers and Japanese video game designer Shigeru Miyamoto, the creator of "Super Mario Bros". The 50,000-euro ($61,000) award is one of eight Asturias prizes handed out yearly by a foundation named for Crown Princess Leonor. Others categories include social sciences, sport and scientific research. The awards are presented each autumn in the northern city of Oviedo in a ceremony broadcast live on Spanish TV.

Feminist icon Gloria Steinem wins top Spanish prize

American singer-songwriter Janelle Monae is all set to join actor Julianne Moore in the Gloria Steinem biopic titled `The Glorias: A Life on the Road.`

While Moore and Alicia Vikander will star as Steinem at various points in her career (journalist and activist), Monae will play the role of Dorothy Pitman Hughes, an outspoken women`s and civil rights activist that co-founded of `Ms. Magazine` with Steinem, confirmed a US-based website.

Directed by Julie Taymor, the flick will follow Steinem`s journey to become a crusader for equal rights and her groundbreaking work as a journalist and campaigner.

Monae, who debuted in 2016 with `Moonlight` and `Hidden Figures,` will next be seen in Robert Zemeckis` `Welcome to Marwen`.

American singer-songwriter Janelle Monae is all set to join actor Julianne Moore in the Gloria Steinem biopic titled `The Glorias: A Life on the Road.` While Moore and Alicia Vikander will star as Steinem at various points in her career (journalist and activist), Monae will play the role of Dorothy Pitman Hughes, an outspoken women`s and civil rights activist that co-founded of `Ms.

American singer-songwriter Janelle Monae is all set to join actor Julianne Moore in the Gloria Steinem biopic titled `The Glorias: A Life on the Road.` While Moore and Alicia Vikander will star as Steinem at various points in her career (journalist and activist), Monae will play the role of Dorothy Pitman Hughes, an outspoken women`s and civil rights activist that co-founded of `Ms. Magazine` with Steinem, confirmed a US-based website. Directed by Julie Taymor, the flick will follow Steinem`s journey to become a crusader for equal rights and her groundbreaking work as a journalist and campaigner. Monae, who debuted in 2016 with `Moonlight` and `Hidden Figures,` will next be seen in Robert Zemeckis` `Welcome to Marwen`.

Janelle Monae to star in Gloria Steinem biopic

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How India shaped Gloria Steinem’s journey into a feminist icon

Gloria Steinem, feminist trailblazer and co-founder of Ms magazine, dies at 92

Feminist icon Gloria Steinem wins top Spanish prize

Janelle Monae to star in Gloria Steinem biopic