Famous Personalities 04 September 2026
Iconic Feminist Activist Gloria Steinem Passes Away at 92
Why in the News?
Gloria Steinem, the iconic American writer, activist, and pioneer of the modern women’s rights movement who fought for gender equality for over five decades, has passed away at the age of 92.
Key Features / Major Points:
Major Contributions: Co-founded the groundbreaking Ms. Magazine in 1971 and established influential groups like the National Women’s Political Caucus (1971), Women’s Media Center, and Ms. Foundation for Women.
Famous Works: Gained early fame for her 1963 investigative expose "A Bunny's Tale" exposing workplace sexism, and later penned her best-selling 2015 autobiography My Life on the Road.
Top Civilian Honor: Awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest U.S. civilian honor, by President Barack Obama in 2013.
Static GK Facts:
The Feminine Mystique: Landmark 1963 book by Betty Friedan that ignited second-wave feminism in the United States.
Presidential Medal of Freedom: The highest civilian award of the United States.
Roe v. Wade (1973): Landmark U.S. Supreme Court ruling that protected women's constitutional right to abortion for nearly 50 years.
One-Liner Quiz (All Competitive Exams):
Q: Which iconic American feminist leader and co-founder of Ms. Magazine recently passed away at the age of 92?
A: Gloria Steinem
Q: What highest U.S. civilian honor was conferred upon Gloria Steinem in 2013?
A: Presidential Medal of Freedom
Q: Who authored the famous 1963 book 'The Feminine Mystique', which sparked second-wave feminism?
A: Betty Friedan