Professor Emerita of Psychology and Women’s and Gender Studies Abby Stewart recently gave an interview on the life and legacy of feminist journalist and activist Gloria Steinem, who passed away earlier this month. In conversation with Carol Thompson for The Detroit News, Stewart remarks on the current state of gender equality and how we can push it forward using Steinem’s core messages.
Stewart says, “when someone makes a sexist joke or sexist remark, we need to remember that we are the ones who have to stand up to it. That is the core message from Steinem: don’t let things pass.” She also offers that raising a new generation with an inclusive understanding of humanity will be crucial to empowering gender equity in the future.
In this tribute, Stewart also reflects on the Global Feminisms Project, which collects interviews on issues related to women and gender from different national contexts. She says, “we started that project to create a resource for teaching students about women’s rights struggles in other countries.” True to Steinem’s ethic, Stewart says, “the fight is always motivated by the desire for full humanity and women’s ability to exercise their own voice, their own decision making, their own choices.”
You can read the full interview at The Detroit News website.
