Former President Barack Obama released a statement honoring Gloria Steinem following her death at age 92. Obama reflected on the pioneering feminist’s decades of activism and her profound impact on women’s rights across America.
In his tribute, Obama emphasized how Steinem’s approach to advocacy was distinctive and forceful. Rather than simply presenting ideas, she actively demanded attention through her writing, speeches, and organizational efforts. Obama highlighted her role in bringing critical social issues into the national conversation, including domestic violence, access to affordable childcare, and discriminatory hiring practices that had previously been overlooked or normalized.
Obama characterized Steinem as “larger than life” and credited her legacy with inspiring generations of women to pursue their ambitions more boldly. He noted that his wife Michelle joined him in extending sympathies to Steinem’s family and expressing gratitude for her influential example. In 2013, Obama had previously recognized Steinem’s contributions by awarding her the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, acknowledging her lifetime commitment to advancing equality.
Originally reported by Rollingstone →
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