Gloria Steinem, the American feminist and journalist whose activism helped push through greater rights for women around the world, has died aged 92. Steinem “passed away peacefully at her home in New York City, surrounded by some of the many who loved her,” a statement shared to her Instagram page said.

Steinem brought a feminist perspective into the mainstream through rigorous journalism, public speaking, and activism. The author of nine books, she campaigned against domestic violence, female genital mutilation, the pornography industry, and the Vietnam and Gulf wars. She also supported causes including Black Lives Matter, the reunification of Korea, female reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and the Times Up movement.

Outside Steinem’s townhouse in Manhattan’s Upper East Side, passersby left tributes. Debbie Goldberg placed red flowers, describing Steinem as “a hero to all women.” Born in Ohio in 1934, Steinem grew up in a trailer home. After graduating in 1956, she worked in India and later for a CIA front. In 1962, she received her first serious journalism assignment from Esquire editor Clay Felker. The following year, she went undercover as a Playboy Bunny for an exposé.

In 1968, she coined the term “reproductive freedom” at New York magazine. Having had an abortion in London when she was 22, she later became a leading voice for abortion rights.