Gloria Steinem: The feminist organiser and her everyday rebellions
A profile of feminist organizer Gloria Steinem, highlighting her work in movement building and her long-standing association with Indian activist Ruchira Gupta. The article reflects on her influence in feminist thought and her commitment to social activism.
Why it matters
Steinem is a seminal figure in modern feminism; understanding her methods provides insight into the history and evolution of global women's rights movements.
On her website, Gloria Steinem describes herself as a “feminist organizer”, a doer, as most women are. Until the end, she hosted Talking Circles, at her New York home, where people gathered do the rough-and-tumble work of activism, but also the gentler work of community building. This “movement building” is what Steinem will always be remembered for.
The practice of gathering in a group, where everyone is heard, was inspired from India, where Steinem spent two years, after she graduated at 22, from Smith College, Massachusetts in the U.S. in 1956. She came to India every few years, and was closely associated with Ruchira Gupta, who founded Apne Aap Women Worldwide, a non-profit working to end sex trafficking. Steinem chaired Apne Aap’s advisory board, and for Ms. Gupta, she was “a third parent”.
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