Her Story: Gloria Steinem and Dorothy Pitman-Hughes

Feminist activists Dorothy Pitman-Hughes and Gloria Steinem raised their fists in solidarity while posing for photographer Dan Wynn in 1971. The image remains one of the most iconic representations of women’s empowerment and the fight for equal rights. A print of this image is housed in The National Portrait Gallery’s collection. 

Pitman-Hughes and Steinem reunited in 2014 to recreate the influential image for Florida photographer Daniel Bagan. These two feminist warriors continue to lead the way and inspire generations that follow.

The Icons:

Dorothy Pitman Hughes is a feminist, African-American activist, and a lifelong child-welfare advocate. She was a pioneering African-American small business owner in New York for many years and supported other African-American people to start small businesses . Huges started her career of activism by raising bail money for civil rights protesters, organized the first shelter for battered women in New York City, established three daycares to support women in the workforce, and formed summer job programs for youth.  She was a co-founder of Ms. Magazine in 1972. Hughes also co-founded the Women’s Action Alliance in 1971 with Gloria Steinem and others.

Gloria Steinem is a feminist and  champian of women’s rights. She is also a writer, lecturer, and political activist.  In the 1970s she helped found the National Women’s Political Caucus and the feminist Ms. magazine. Steinem worked tirelessly with the women’s liberation movement and the Equal Rights Amendment. 

Gloria Steinem and Dorothy Pitman Hughes toured together for two years in the early 1970’s, lecturing on the Women’s Liberation movement. The pair inspired grassroots support for the movement and helped establish feminism as intersectional and mainstream. Together they co-founded the Woman’s Actions Alliance.

Women’s History Month is a time to honor the successes and struggles of women around the world. It is also a time to keep pushing forward. Visibility is important and representation matters! We are here to help shine a light on hidden figures in history, and to help amplify female contributions to civilization. Together, let’s ensure more women and girls become leaders, let’s breakdown walls and build a society where everyone can fulfill their human potential.

Happy Women’s History Month!

Sources:

 Gloria Steinem and Dorothy Pitman Hughes, 1971



About The Author


shaunaupp

Mother, Photographer, Wisecracker.... not necessarily in that order.

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