Gloria Steinem: The feminist symbol discusses 'fatal' urge to regulate uteruses
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In order to view this video, you must activate JavaScript in your web browser. Gloria Steinem: The urge to govern the uterus can frequently be deadly.
Gloria Steinem, a celebrated feminist figure, author, and magazine editor, at the age of 89, shows no signs of stepping away from her extensive career of questioning conventional norms.
More than half a century has passed since the political activist orchestrated the formation of the Women's Action Alliance.
This was a collective committed to combating gender discrimination, with Steinem – one of the trio who initiated it – emerging as the representative of the women's rights movement in the U.S. throughout the remaining part of the 20th Century.
She embarked on her professional journey as a New York-based journalist in the 1970s, and later helped establish Ms. magazine. This was among the pioneering publications that shifted focus towards topics concerning women beyond domestic chores and the demands of the beauty sector.
Her Upper East Side Manhattan apartment showcases proof of a life spent traveling, with trinkets from all the places she's been to decorating every area.
These days, she primarily resides in New York and expresses contentment with being in her local area.
Even now, I remain acutely aware of the wonderful privilege it is to be present here.
Her apartment functions as the base for her organization, Gloria's Foundation, and serves as a gathering spot for women, reporters, advocates, and community leaders, especially now that she spends more time at home.
Gloria Steinem has been recognized as one of the BBC's 100 Women for the year 2023.
In the 1970s, Gloria Steinem was a prominent advocate for the rights related to women's reproductive health.
She rejoiced over the 1973 decision by the US Supreme Court in the Roe v Wade case, which recognized women's constitutional right to have an abortion.
Approximately fifty years later, she observed the overturning of this ruling – the landmark decision by the Supreme Court in June of the previous year that terminated the universal right to abortion.
For Steinem and other advocates of pro-choice, it served as a harsh wake-up call about the importance of continuing their efforts, aiming to realize the changes she aspires to witness within her lifespan.
The clearest and easiest alteration is that we have control over our own bodily destiny, enabling us to choose if and when we want to procreate, or not to procreate, depending on our personal physical preferences.
The root of our problem stems from the fact that we possess uteruses, which are frequently sought to be controlled, especially within oppressive regimes. It's evident that since only women have uteruses and men do not, attempts to dominate this aspect often leads to the most destructive forms of struggle.
While the availability of reproductive rights for women in the US has been increasingly restricted, certain women in Latin America have effectively fought for the legalization of abortion. Steinem, who has often led numerous protests, expresses admiration for their resolute activism.
"She asserts that the essence of the revolution lies in utilizing our voices, physically demonstrating, and backing other women."
The liberty to reproduce is fundamental, perhaps even more so than the right to free speech.
Numerous types of revolution
Having spent fifty years championing for rights, Steinem possesses a distinctive perspective on the advancements women have achieved.
She highlights that a significant advancement in the US has been the rise in the percentage of women participating in the voting process.
She asserts that other standards are directly tied to the family and the everyday life of women.
Some are extremely home-oriented. Who is responsible for bringing up the kids? Who is in charge of preparing meals? Who is tasked with cleaning the dishes? These are vital questions.
"She acknowledges advancement, but asserts it's insufficient," she states.
Steinem keeps a vigilant eye on the threats to women's rights worldwide, particularly noting the restriction of liberties in nations such as Iran and Afghanistan.
She views the demonstrations by Iranian women – who publicly burned their hijabs and chanted "Woman, Life, Freedom" following the demise of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini under the supervision of Iran's moral police – as not only a fight for autonomy but also a type of feminist rebellion.
"Steinem states that they are advocating for the concept that a woman's body is neither disgraceful nor to be limited, similar to how men's bodies are not. Therefore, their choice to use the term 'feminism' is entirely at their own discretion."
Certain individuals refer to it as 'female strength' or 'women's emancipation'. The choice is ours.
The convergence of race and gender has consistently been at the core of Gloria Steinem's work.
During the 1970s, she collaborated intimately with African American political activist, Angela Davis.
An image featuring Steinem and her fellow feminist, Dorothy Pitman Hughes, standing side by side with their fists raised has become a symbolic representation of the struggle for equal rights and social justice by women and African Americans.
Still, numerous individuals globally have faulted Western feminism for its lack of inclusivity.
"Most likely, that's correct," Steinem remarks.
Essentially, we're grappling with racism here in our nation. Our usual approach has been to pause if our initial group doesn't reflect the country's diversity. That way, we try to ensure that we adequately represent all the women impacted by a particular problem.
'Say no to cancel culture'
Steinem recalls the times when they used to distribute leaflets and initiate campaigns using a basic copying device known as a mimeograph. However, she has now welcomed the chance to establish connections remotely, a development brought about by the pandemic, and to engage with a broader audience through the use of the internet and social media.
"She argues that the internet is problematic because it is exclusionary. Not everyone has the financial capability to own a computer, or the knowledge to comprehend the technology or articulate themselves online. This concern is troubling," she states.
Moreover, she emphasizes, "considering that men likely have greater accessibility to technology compared to women".
Steinem also voices her worries about the effects of cancel culture, particularly on the younger population and those who use social media.
She informs BBC 100 Women that, although she has not personally experienced it, she feels indignation for anyone who has, "since freedom of speech is fundamental to any democratic society".
We should resist succumbing to cancel culture as it functions as a form of societal censorship. Even if it is used to hide evidence of prejudice, it is not beneficial because it ultimately muzzles individuals.
Transformation within the household
Some may contend that a limitation of feminism is its failure to guide men through the transition as gender roles are restructured. However, for Gloria Steinem, it's not the duty of women to simultaneously instigate men's transformative journey and prepare their meals.
She suggests that it's unsurprising that certain men would oppose feminism, as it doesn't serve to benefit those who leverage their masculinity to assert dominance.
She holds the view that transformation needs to begin from our own households.
"She emphasizes that the absence of democracy is the starting point, and that's where the transformation begins that everyone can contribute to."
The Steinem residence and foundation are bustling with activity. She has books to autograph and meetings to participate in.
While she's nestled in the corner of her living room, autographing posters for a function, the entrance to her flat suddenly opens and a pair of ladies stroll in.
"Being at home more is simply wonderful," Steinem reiterates.
She rises to accompany them to the opposite end of the room.
I transformed my lounge into an area for discussion circles. Revolution can be equated to a fluid being transferred into varied vessels. It alters its shape, yet its essence remains unchanged.
The video was captured by Andrew Blum, and the editing was done by Rachel Qureshi and Munira Mohamed.
Every year, BBC 100 Women recognizes 100 women globally who are inspirational and influential. Stay updated with BBC 100 Women on Instagram and Facebook. Participate in the discussion using the hashtag #BBC100Women.
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