Gloria Steinem will speak Thursday as part of the University of Idaho Women’s Center 40th anniversary.
Steinem is known for her role in the women’s equality movement and as a co-founder for Ms. Magazine — a magazine also celebrating 40 years that focuses on women’s rights.
Steinem will present “Women’s Legacies, Inspiring Our Future” at 7:30 p.m. in the ASUI Kibbie Dome. The event is free and will also serve as the keynote address for the Athena-Women’s Center biennial Women’s Leadership Conference, according to a press release. The conference will take place Thursday with several events across campus.
Heather Shea Gasser, director of the Women’s Center, said they are thrilled to bring Steinem to UI.
“When I think of the ‘70s and the women’s right movement there is only one name that comes to mind,” Gasser said. “She has been and continues to be an instrumental voice for social change and for equality.”
She said her address will highlight both the leadership conference and the Women’s Center.
“The reason she was originally chosen is because she founded Ms. Magazine the same year the Women’s Center was founded,” Gasser said.
She said the focus of Ms. Magazine and the message the Women’s Center is portraying perfectly compliment each other.
Steinem was given the prompt “Women’s Legacies, Inspiring Our Future” to pay respect to the women who established the Women’s Center and to inspire the current generation of women activists.
Although the conference is full, those looking for more information can visit www.womensleadership.uidaho.edu.
Katy Sword can be reached at [email protected]