Statement of Jocelyn Frye, President of the National Partnership for Women & Families

WASHINGTON, D.C. – September 8, 2026 – Gloria Steinem lived an extraordinary life, impacting the lives of millions across multiple generations. She fought for women’s rights and gender justice at all levels, from work rooms to board rooms to classrooms to newsrooms, in every corner of the country and around the world. She was an activist unafraid to speak truth to power – and she took every opportunity to do so at every stage of her life.

Throughout her life Steinem marched, wrote, and taught about the challenges facing women in different communities, across race, ethnicity, economic status, and sexual identity. She and another legend, Dorothy Pitman Hughes, launched the iconic Ms. Magazine and Steinem was a co-founder of the Ms. Foundation for Women to help fund the work of women’s rights. She understood that the fight for justice, to be effective and long-lasting, must be bigger than any one person and required a lifelong commitment.

Even in her later years, she hosted gatherings at her home – including one that I had the privilege to attend – where others could reflect and strategize about the work and also hear her insights to inform future fights. We extend our deepest sympathy to her family, friends, admirers, and all those inspired by her vision. May we all take comfort in knowing that her legacy will live on in the work of so many who continue the fight for justice for women, for gender, for all.

# # #

Media Contact:

Llenda Jackson-Leslie
Email
202-986-2600