4 reactions to Gloria Steinem's death: Hailed by some as breaking barriers, derided by others for pushing 'second-wave feminist disease'

Gloria Steinem’s death at the age of 92 has sparked mixed reactions from women on the right and the left, with some hailing her as a feminist icon and others lamenting her legacy of second-wave feminism.  

Steinem, who died Sept 2, was a journalist who co-founded Ms. Magazine and the National Women's Political Caucus in 1971 alongside liberal activist Betty Friedan, author of "The Feminine Mystique", civil rights activist Fannie Lou Hamer and Reps. Bella Abzug and Shirley Chisholm. 

In 2005, Steinem, along with Jane Fonda and Robin Morgan, co-founded the Women's Media Center. 

According to a statement on the activist's Instagram page, Steinem died "peacefully at her home in New York City, surrounded by some of the many who loved her." The statement added that "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," the statement continued. "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."

Tributes poured in from prominent figures following her death. Meghan Markle, the duchess of Sussex, called Steinem her "friend and mentor" who "helped shape the world for women and all people," adding that she still wears a bracelet Steinem gave her, inscribed with the words "We are linked, not ranked." Oprah Winfrey wrote on Instagram that "we as women owe her so much."

Here are four additional reactions to Steinem's life and legacy from prominent female leaders on the right and the left.