Feminist icon Gloria Steinem dies aged 92 'surrounded by some of the many who loved her'

Gloria Steinem, the face of the women's liberation movement in the US, has passed away at the age of 92.

The American journalist, writer and feminist activist co-founded Ms. magazine and the National Women’s Political Caucus whilst campaigning for gender equality and reproductive rights.

A statement shared her Instagram page on Thursday (3 September) reads: "Yesterday, Gloria Steinem passed away peacefully at her home in New York City, surrounded by some of the many who loved her. Gloria’s near-century on earth were years well-lived, and she continued working for equality until the very end.

"Gloria’s greatest gift was her ability to listen to others, to make others feel seen and heard. Her words, actions, and example gave people permission to be their truest selves. Gloria lived true to her independent spirit, always with curiosity and a great sense of humor.

Gloria Steinem has died at the age of 92 (Monica Schipper/Getty Images for Ms. Foundation for Women)

"She spent her recent years doing the two things she loved most: being in community with others and writing. She has welcomed hundreds of guests into her living room for Talking Circles, a tradition she insisted will continue long after she is no longer with us."

The Ohio-born writer helped bring feminism into mainstream American politics and culture, and in 2013, she received the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

"As Gloria wrote in her forthcoming book, 𝘈𝘯 𝘜𝘯𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘓𝘪𝘧𝘦, 'I have now lived for more than fifty years in this brownstone, in rooms that have witnessed lives before mine, and will know others after I am gone'," the tribute continues.

"This book, along with her commitment to her home becoming a center for social justice movements, are among the many gifts Gloria has given the world with the hope they have ripple effects for generations to come. Gloria often quoted the adage: 'The flap of a butterfly’s wing can change the weather hundreds of miles away'.

"Gloria loved the tradition of lighting signal fires on hills to light the way to the other side of the mountain. Lighting your own candle for Gloria makes you part of this global and celestial community circle.

"In lieu of flowers, Gloria has asked that those wishing to honor her with a gift, may make a donation to Gloria’s Foundation."