My memory of Gloria Steinem

The American activist Gloria Steinem was remembered as “the personification of the women’s movement” who “galvanised a generation of activists” after her passing at the age of 92 last week. Hilary Clinton said she was “one of the architects of the entire structure of women’s equality”.

Born to a Jewish father and Presbyterian mother in Ohio, Steinem (raised a secular humanist) had a storied career in journalism and advocacy that challenged people’s assumptions about the roles and status of women in society.

She co-founded Ms magazine, exposed misogynistic practices while working as a bunny at Hugh Hefner’s playboy mansion, and started several women’s advocacy networks in the 1970s.

The international tributes have eulogised Steinem’s status as an activist but they glossed over her humility. I have a more personal memory of Steinem as someone who made time for people she didn’t even know. Thirty years ago we had a fleeting exchange that was one of my happiest experiences as a journalist.

In 1995 I put together a special liftout for The Australian to mark the 25^th anniversary of the publication of The Female Eunuch by Germaine Greer. As part of the project I asked prominent Australian feminists for their views about Greer and the impact of her book.

It was a strong list, including Quentin Bryce, Eva Cox, Dale Spender, Wendy McCarthy, Carmel Niland, Beatrice Faust, Linda Jaivin, and others. But I also wanted someone special, who had an X-factor beyond the usual local suspects. Gloria Steinem was an international A-lister.