Actress Jane Fonda has said journalist and feminist activist Gloria Steinem holds a “special place in history” after her death aged 92.
The 88-year-old founded the Women’s Media Centre in 2005, alongside Steinem and author Robin Morgan, to increase the “visibility, viability and decision-making power” of women in the media in the US.
Fonda’s tribute
In a post on Instagram, the Barbarella actress said: “Gloria, in her graceful, kind, and deeply intelligent way, changed the world we live in…
“She had a clever, often funny way to say just what was needed to surface feelings and ideas about where we belonged, what our inchoate yearnings meant, whether power was a word that women could and should embrace for ourselves, and how different power looked when held in men’s hands alone.
“She helped so many of us find our voices and the courage to stand up for ourselves and for other women.
“I believe that she lives on in the changed lives of many women who don’t consider themselves feminists or part of the women’s movement.
“I’ve met many such women who because of what Gloria said or wrote gained the courage to leave bad marriages, start their own businesses, persuade husbands to help with household chores.”
Remembering Steinem’s legacy
She said that she was “glad” to have spent time with Steinem working on the Women’s Media Centre.
Fonda added: “She made the hard work of organizing both meaningful and fun. She will always hold a special place in history because she lives on in each of us, in how we live, in so many of the decisions we make.
“I can’t believe she is gone — every moment we got with her was a blessing.”
Her tribute comes as messages from around the world remembered Steinem as one of the trailblazers for women’s equality after she died on Wednesday in New York City.
Stars pay their respects
Among the stars who have paid tribute to Steinem was actress and activist Jameela Jamil, Law And Order star Mariska Hargitay, British actress Naomi Watts and Hollywood star Brooke Shields.
Jamil recounted the last time she saw Steinem and how they sat for hours talking about the world in a room into which she moved decades ago.
She said: “It wasn’t fancy, it was epic. Every inch filled with memories and moments of travels, friendship and political resistance. I was sitting on a floor that circles of women had occupied over the years, planning the liberation of all women.
“Gloria was a guiding light for me. She supported and encouraged me from the very first time she saw me give a speech about feminism.”
US marathon runner Kathrine Switzer, the first woman to officially run the Boston Marathon in 1967, posted on Instagram that she had lost “one of my biggest heroes”.
She said: “The world has lost a giant and women have lost one of our greatest leaders. I personally have lost one of my biggest heroes. Rest in peace dear Gloria Steinem, as you will inspire us forever.”
Actor and comedian Amy Schumer posted a black and white photograph of Steinem and said: “Walked the walk to her last day. Love to the coven of women who cared for her.
“My hero my sister my friend. Thank you Gloria.”
American actress Rosie O’Donnell, best known for A League Of Their Own, said: “Gloria – the mother of the women’s movement- we r all in your debt.”
CNN chief international anchor Christiane Amanpour said Steinem will go down in history as “one of the most important activists of all time, leading a movement for the equality of half the world: its women”.
She added: “She lived a long and passionate life dedicated to this vital and basic cause.
“She did it with intellectual precision, emotional awareness, humour and beauty. May she rest in peace and may the cause thrive.”
Hollywood actress Brooke Shields described Steinem as a “role model, mentor, inspiration, fighter, friend”.
She said on Instagram: “You made women feel seen and helped them understand their value. It was a huge blessing in my life to know you, to ruminate with you, to make you laugh, and to call you a friend.
“To honour you, may we all continue to fight for change. My heart hurts to say goodbye but your impact and legacy will live on forever in all our hearts.”
Actress Hargitay described Steinem as her “beloved friend and mentor” while Watts said she was “deeply grateful” to have known the activist.
She said: “Whether it was turning pages of your books, watching you speak, or being lucky enough to sit in a circle in your living room where so many people have congregated and shared truths and exchanged ideas… I feel immense gratitude.
“Your legacy lives in every woman who speaks up, takes up space, chooses her own path, and believes she doesn’t have to ask permission to become who she is.
“I’m deeply grateful to have known you. Even just a little bit.”
The Last Of Us actor Pedro Pascal shared a photograph of Steinem holding the sign “We shall overcome”.
He said: “Gloria has always been one of the greatest names. What a cool hang is happening in the sky. Look after us. We need you.”
