Kamala Harris, Hillary Clinton, Oprah Winfrey and Others Pay Tribute to Gloria Steinem

Tributes have poured in from political leaders, celebrities, writers and activists following the death of legendary feminist writer and activist Gloria Steinem, who died at the age of 92.

Among those remembering Steinem are former US Vice President Kamala Harris, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, media mogul Oprah Winfrey, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, actress Jane Fonda, singer Barbra Streisand and former first lady Jill Biden.

Steinem died on September 2 in New York City, according to her representatives. Her death marked the passing of one of the most influential figures in the American women’s rights movement.

Kamala Harris described Steinem as a pioneering activist and journalist whose work helped open doors for generations of women.

Harris also remembered Steinem’s support for women seeking leadership positions, highlighting the personal encouragement and mentorship she offered throughout her decades of activism.

For many women who entered politics, journalism and public life during and after the second-wave feminist movement, Steinem represented a bridge between activism and institutional change.

Hillary Clinton paid tribute to Steinem’s determination and optimism, describing her as a foundational figure in the struggle for women’s equality.

Clinton’s tribute also reflected their longstanding relationship. She recalled Steinem’s ability to maintain hope and continue organising even when progress appeared slow or political setbacks threatened the gains made by the women’s movement.

Steinem had supported Clinton’s presidential campaigns and remained an important voice in debates over women’s political representation.

Oprah Winfrey was also among those who celebrated Steinem’s extraordinary influence.

Winfrey joined numerous women in entertainment and public life who credited Steinem with helping change the way society viewed women’s rights, equality and women’s voices.

Other prominent figures, including Meghan Markle, Julianne Moore, Lena Dunham, Sarah Jessica Parker and Melinda French Gates, also reflected on Steinem’s influence and personal generosity.

Steinem became one of the defining faces of the women’s liberation movement in the United States from the 1960s onward.

A journalist before becoming a nationally recognised activist, she famously went undercover as a Playboy Bunny in 1963 to report on the working conditions at the Playboy Club.

In 1972, she co-founded Ms. magazine, which became a major platform for feminist writing and advocacy. She also helped establish the National Women’s Political Caucus, the Ms. Foundation for Women and the Women’s Media Center.

Her activism covered reproductive rights, equal pay, political representation, sexism and broader social justice issues.

Steinem was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2013 by President Barack Obama in recognition of her contribution to the women’s liberation movement.

Steinem’s influence was not limited to Washington or feminist organisations. She became a cultural figure whose writing, speeches and activism inspired several generations of women.

Jane Fonda, Nancy Pelosi, Billie Jean King, Patti Smith and other prominent figures also joined the tributes, remembering Steinem for her courage, organising skills and commitment to equality.

Her death has therefore prompted reflection not only on the history of the women’s movement but also on the unfinished struggles surrounding equality and reproductive freedom.

For those who worked alongside her, Steinem’s greatest legacy may be the generations of women she encouraged to organise, speak out and seek positions of influence.

Gloria Steinem’s death closes a major chapter in the history of American feminism, but the causes she championed continue to shape political and social debates around the world.