Kathmandu— Gloria Steinem, a prominent figure in the women's liberation movement, died at the age of 92. Known for her influential role in shaping the feminist agenda, Steinem's legacy is now under scrutiny for her alleged CIA connections and her shift towards a more corporate-friendly approach to feminism.

Steinem's Influence and Controversies

Steinem's political affiliations and her work with the CIA have also been a source of controversy. In 1967, she spoke to the press about her role in recruiting anti-communist students to disrupt World Youth Festivals, which were funded by the CIA. This involvement has led to accusations that Steinem's work with the CIA influenced the direction of the feminist movement, steering it away from radical politics and towards a more establishment-friendly stance.

The Rise of Ms. Magazine

The media's portrayal of Steinem as the 'personification of the women's movement' has been seen as a reflection of the movement's co-optation by corporate interests. However, this portrayal has also been criticized for downplaying the contributions of the movement's pioneers and promoting a more establishment-friendly narrative. The media's focus on Steinem has been seen as a reflection of the movement's co-optation by corporate interests and the establishment's desire to present a more moderate and palatable image of feminism.

Legacy and Criticism

Steinem's political affiliations and her work with the CIA have also been a source of controversy. In 1967, she spoke to the press about her role in recruiting anti-communist students to disrupt World Youth Festivals, which were funded by the CIA. This involvement has led to accusations that Steinem's work with the CIA influenced the direction of the feminist movement, steering it away from radical politics and towards a more establishment-friendly stance.

The legacy of Gloria Steinem remains a subject of debate, with some celebrating her contributions to the feminist movement and others criticizing her alleged CIA connections and shift towards a more corporate-friendly approach to feminism.

(With inputs from Jacobin)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.