Gloria Steinem turns 80 tomorrow. She says she has no intention of retiring, which is something we should all be grateful for — especially because the ERA has still not passed.
I was glad to have an excuse not to watch the Presidential debate because I was going to see Gloria Steinem, and I knew that she would put the upcoming election in perspective better than the men who are actually running for office.
Steinem was warm and witty, and a lot less angry than I remember her (although that could just be me). Articulate and obviously an expert on her subject, she offered lots of staggering statistics and studies that prove that empowering women – which means paying them equally for equal work and giving them control over their own bodies – is inarguably the solution to a country’s economic and environmental problems, and the only way to naturally and effectively balance population control. These are the same FACTS we learned on Half the Sky last week.
“This is a dangerous time,” Steinem warned, citing the Republican war on women and the hundreds of bills that have been introduced and passed in the past year limiting our reproductive rights. She reminded the audience that the first thing Hitler did when he came to power was shut down family planning clinics and make abortion a crime against the state. We need to stand together as sisters, she said, adding that the good news is more females are now self-identifying as “women” than “Republicans.”
Although she was asked by audience members to provide a call to action, she left that up to them. I guess, at 78 years old, even the most passionate activist is ready to pass the baton. If the crowd reaction is any indication, they’re up for the responsibility.
Women will decide this election, and Steinem’s legacy will continue.
She and Betty Friedan were my Rosa Parks. Have never seen them in person but they had a big impact on my life. The Feminine Mystique was my personal bible in the 60’s.
Gloria Steinem has a new book coming out soon, I think. I wonder if today’s girls realize what she — and Betty Friedan — did for them.
She is truly an amazing woman. I saw her speak two years ago. She is intelligent, warm and generous. I also found her to be more mellow now, but aren’t we all? 😉
Helene, totally agree — she is amazing!
What a terrific post. I can only imagine this was one of those “once in lifetime” experiences.
These perspectives are so helpful – not only yours – all three of you – but looking at issues from a less conventional (media-speak) vantage point. Putting violence against women in perspective.
Thank you for sharing this.
Wish I had been able to be with you to hear Gloria Steinem. Thank goodness she is still around. The younger women must take up her cause and continue her work. It is frightening to see what has happened in many states recently. Enjoyed all your perspectives.
Raedine, wish you had been able to come with us, too!
Gloria Steinem and Joan Didion scare the crap out of me. My kingdom to be that freaking cool.
Shannon, hey, I hear you!
Thank you. Horrific statistics about women mortality but thank you so much for the reminder to keep women’s rights front and center, regardless of age.
I will encourage my daughter to be a crusader for peace and compassion in her world. The way to peace is through opening our hearts to others. As women, we do this naturally. We are the solution.
An influential icon indeed.
Thanks for the share!
I also heard her speak two years ago, and my friend, who is several years older than I am and from Poland, said she wished her country had a Gloria Steinem during the 60’s and 70’s.
If I look half as good as Gloria did that night at 78, I will consider myself more than lucky. Plus, she’s still an inspirational speaker.
Happy Birthday, Gloria. Thank you for fighting for what we women enjoy now. Hopefully we’ll continue your work by getting the ERA passed!