Gloria Steinem was perceived in the late 1900’s as a leader and spokeswoman particularly for the feminist movement. She was born on March 25, 1934 in Toledo, Ohio. Steinem is a feminist, human rights and political rights activist who fought against gender inequality by using journalism and nonviolence to successfully secure women's rights. She is the author of many books such as My Life on the Road and Outrageous Acts and Everyday Rebellions. As a woman Steinem experienced injustice. Steinem’s Grandmother was involved in the Suffragist Movement, a movement for an amendment in the constitution granting women the right to vote. Steinem’s Jewish father, Leo Steinem, divorced Steinem’s French descended mother, Ruth Steinem, when Steinem was eight years old. Ruth, an aspiring journalist prior to her marriage, suffered from depression so severe she became incapacitated. Much of Steinem's youth was spent caring for Ruth. “It was she who introduced me to books and a respect for them, to poetry that she knew by heart, and to the idea that you can never criticize someone until you walk a mile in their shoes.” - Gloria Steinem Caring for Ruth became a sign of independence and strength for Steinem; something that is a dominant and primary part of the identity of a feminist. To continue her …show more content…
Her written work has given others gratification and her personal fulfillment. “Writing is the only thing that, when I do it, I don't feel I should be doing something else.”- Gloria Steinem She successfully turned the first wave of feminism into the second wave, empowered women to be an advocate for what they believe in, and always contributed her opinion. Steinem successfully led a group of peace activists across the heavily militarized border between North Korea and South Korea in May of 2015. The activists intended to bring attention to the need for a peace treaty between both