This past week, Gloria Steinem, world-renowned feminist, activist, and just overall BOSS, joined journalist Virginia Heffernan at Hannah Senesh Community Day School in Brooklyn to discuss Judaism in relation to gender equality and human rights. Despite the niche topic, the event, hosted in the school’s gym, was filled with women of all ages, shapes, sizes, and colors—myself included—waiting to get advice from one of the most prominent feminist leaders in the world.
Although the discussion steered towards Steinem’s grandmother, a Jewish activist during the early 20th century, she was able to offer up her expertise for young feminist activists who are struggling to make a difference in today’s political culture. At first, knowing Steinem’s reputation as a kick-ass woman, I thought she would say something along the lines of “be persistent” or “women are the future” but what she said was actually pretty shocking.
Her advice? “Don’t listen to me,” she said with a smirk, “listen to yourself instead.” Speaking over loud applause, she continued, “Don’t look up to others because you will only get discouraged, look at each other and then you will feel strong.”
Steinem is absolutely right. In our society, it is so common to see successful women like Lena Dunham, Rihanna and many others advocating for what is right in ways that only they can. More often than not if we, young women, aren’t able to follow in these celebrities’ footsteps by throwing a rally or donating thousands of dollars, it feels like our actions are useless. At least, I know that’s how I feel sometimes.
But as Steinem said, she can surely serve as a role model, but when it comes to figuring out the best way to advocate for what you believe in, whether that is women’s rights or the environment, you know better than anyone else what you can do.
Looking for more inspiration? Watch the rest of the discussion below.
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