Gloria Steinem, who fought for decades for women’s equality, dies at 92

Gloria Steinem, the celebrated author and activist who became one of the most visible symbols and potent voices of the U.S. women’s movement and a fierce advocate for feminist causes for over six decades, has died.

She was 92.

With her trademark streaked hair parted down the middle and large aviator glasses, Steinem, a co-founder of Ms.

Magazine, was a hugely recognizable presence wherever she went.

And she went everywhere: Much of her life as an advocate was spent on the road, speaking at college campuses and community centers, at rallies and marches.

“You can’t do it on the phone or on the web,” she told The Associated Press in a 2015 interview.

“You have to be there with all five senses.

It should be obvious that people can’t empathize with each other unless we’re in the same room.” Steinem, who had been in declining health, died Wednesday at her home in New York City, according to a post on her social media page.

She had recently completed a memoir, to be released this fall.

“Gloria’s greatest gift was her ability to listen to others, to make others feel seen and heard,” the post said.

“Her words, actions, and example gave people permission to be their truest selves.” Though Steinem had recently become more frail physically, her wit and humor remained totally intact.

Her friend and fellow activist, Abigail Disney , said she’d visited Steinem’s Manhattan home a bit over a week ago, as those close to her gathered by her side.

“She was just as funny and just as sharp as I have ever known her,” Disney said.

And, she said, generous.