Gloria Steinem: The Voice of a Revolution

March 25, 1934 – Present

“The truth will set you free, but first it will piss you off.” – Gloria Steinem

…For the end of Women’s History Month posts, I have decided to go with the incomparable Gloria Steinem, because in a world of “women’s” history/her-story she is a true pioneer for change and human equality. The way I see it, few names are as synonymous with the women’s rights movement as Gloria Steinem.

For over 7 decades, Gloria Steinem has been a fearless warrior in the fight for equality, a woman who refuses to be silenced, and a leader whose legacy continues to shape the world we live in today. More than a fearless journalist turned activist—she became the face of second-wave feminism in the 1960s and beyond. Her legacy is being the embodiment of resistance against injustice and the unwavering belief that women deserve every opportunity, every right, and every ounce of respect that men have long taken for granted.

Gloria Steinem gave us the permission to not ask for permission to live our lives on our terms.

A Life of Trailblazing Change

Gloria Steinem rose to prominence in the 1960s and 70s, becoming one of the most recognizable faces of feminism. Whether through her groundbreaking investigative journalism—like her exposé on the working conditions of Playboy Bunnies—or as a co-founder of Ms. Magazine, she challenged the narratives that confined women to the margins of history and rewrote the script—one that placed us at the center of our own stories. Her investigative journalism exposed the deep-rooted misogyny that pervaded society, and her activism ignited a movement that still burns bright today.

Steinem has always been unapologetic in her pursuit of truth, equality, and justice. She fought tirelessly for reproductive rights, helped create the National Women’s Political Caucus, and was instrumental in the push for the Equal Rights Amendment. She fought for equal pay, and an end to gender discrimination. She spoke against the objectification of women, called out systemic sexism in politics, and shattered the notion that feminism was simply a niche cause—it was, and remains, a movement for humanity itself. Her presence at protests, speeches, and in the pages of history books reminds us that the fight for bodily autonomy, equal pay, and freedom from systemic oppression is far from over.

Why Gloria Steinem Still Matters Today

Even now, at nearly 91 years old at the time of this writing, she continues to inspire new generations of feminists. She reminds us that feminism isn’t just about fighting for our rights—it’s about lifting every woman, everywhere. She teaches us that using our voices—loudly, unapologetically, and relentlessly—is how we create real change.

Gloria Steinem didn’t wait for permission to lead. She didn’t ask nicely for justice. She demanded it. And she shows us that we, too, have the power to stand up, to challenge the status quo, and to never back down.

A Call to Courage

As we honor Gloria Steinem during Women’s History Month, let her legacy remind us:

→ Your voice matters.
→ Your fight is necessary.
→ Your courage is contagious.

What injustices piss you off? What changes do you want to see? What battles, both personally and publicly will you fight so that future generations of women inherit a world that values them fully? How does THAT feel as you consider your response?

If history has taught us anything, it’s that the world changes when women refuse to sit down and stay silent.

Give yourself permission to write your story on your terms.