After graduating with a degree in government from Smith College in 1956, Steinem worked as a journalist. In 1968, she cofounded New York magazine. When New York state appointed a commission of 14 men and a nun to investigate the issue of abortion, Steinem's feminism was galvanized. Always active in political and social causes, the young woman from Ohio became a major feminist leader in the late 1960s. In 1971, she cofounded Ms. magazine (where she continues to serve as contributing editor) and co-convened the National Women's Political Caucus. She is also a founding member of the Coalition of Labor Union Women and has been active in peace and civil rights campaigns, Vietnam War protests and political campaigns for candidates like Robert Kennedy and Shirley Chisholm.

Steinem's bestselling books include "Outrageous Acts and Everyday Rebellions" (1983), "Revolution from Within: A Book of Self-Esteem" (1992) and "Moving Beyond Words/Age, Rage, Sex, Power, Money, Muscles: Breaking the Boundaries of Gender" (1995).

Listen to Salon columnist Janelle Brown speak with Gloria Steinem about the importance of this presidential election for reproductive rights.

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