Gloria Steinem was motivated by a commitment to women's rights and social justice. Her activism grew from personal experiences, including her reflections on gender discrimination and the limitations faced by women in society. Steinem co-founded the Women's Action Alliance and Ms. magazine, using these platforms to advocate for reproductive rights and equality in various spheres. Her work was also influenced by her involvement in broader civil rights movements, which informed her intersectional approach to feminism, seeking to address the interconnected issues of race, class, and gender.