WOMEN'S WAY Statement on the Passing of Gloria Steinem

For Immediate Release

PHILADELPHIA, PA (September 3, 2026) — WOMEN'S WAY honors the legacy of Gloria Steinem, journalist, organizer, and bold feminist leader who died September 2, 2026, at age 92.

“Gloria Steinem broke down barriers and inspired generations of gender equity advocates to fight for their right to security, dignity, freedom, and joy. The issues she fought for remain deeply connected to the challenges we continue to face today,” said Diane Cornman-Levy, Chief Disruptor at WOMEN’S WAY. “As WOMEN’S WAY marks our 50th Anniversary this year, we're grateful to count Gloria Steinem amongst the remarkable visionaries who have shaped and advanced our collective work forward. We will honor her life and legacy by continuing to advocate for a more just and equitable future.”

For decades, Steinem was one of the most recognized voices of American feminism. She co-founded Ms. Magazine, helped launch the National Women's Political Caucus, and campaigned for reproductive freedom, economic equity, and women's political representation, amongst other issues. Her advocacy brought the barriers facing women’s rights and gender equity to a national stage.

On a local level, WOMEN’S WAY had the privilege of welcoming Steinem twice to Philadelphia. In 1982, she received our Lucretia Mott Award, and in 1987 she spoke at our Unfinished Agenda Conference on economic equity, reproductive rights, and women's leadership.

For more on Gloria Steinem's life and legacy, see coverage in the Inquirer here.

WOMEN'S WAY invites anyone who attended the Unfinished Agenda Conference, or whose involvement with WOMEN'S WAY and the movement to advance gender equity was inspired by Gloria Steinem’s leadership, to share their story at womensway.org/WW50Stories as part of our 50th Anniversary storytelling initiative.

 

Gloria Steinem sits at a table with a microphone in front of her. The words 'WAY' from the WOMEN'S WAY logo are visible beside her. She is sitting next to W. Gray.

Gloria Steinem at the 1987 Unfinished Agenda Conference

A picture of a green newsletter from Women's Way that announces Gloria Steinem as their 5th Lucretia Mott honoree

WOMEN'S WAY Announces Steinem to Receive the 5th Annual Lucretia Mott Award (1982)

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ABOUT WOMEN’S WAY

WOMEN'S WAY is the Greater Philadelphia region's leading nonprofit organization dedicated to achieving gender equity through education, research, advocacy, and grantmaking. Founded in 1976 as the first women's umbrella funding federation in the country, WOMEN'S WAY has spent five decades building collective action for women, girls, and gender-expansive people in the region and beyond. To learn more, visit womensway.org and follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Instagram.

MEDIA CONTACT: Misha Rodriguez, WOMEN’S WAY Director of Communications |  mrodriguez@womensway.org  | (215) 985-3322, ext. 221.