Gloria Steinem, feminist campaigner who famously went undercover as a Playboy bunny, has died

Gloria Steinem, the trailblazing feminist and journalist, has died aged 92.

The American dedicated her life to campaigning for several issues, including equal pay and reproductive rights.

Ms Steinem died peacefully at her New York City home on Wednesday "surrounded by some of the many who loved her", according to a post on her official Instagram page.

"Gloria's near-century on earth were years well-lived, and she continued working for equality until the very end," the post said. It did not say how she died.

Ms Steinem was the face of a movement that radically changed rights for women in the US in the 1960s, campaigning so women could eventually apply for credit cards without a man's signature, be admitted to Ivy League universities that previously barred them, and legally get an abortion.

The Duchess of Sussex was among the high-profile figures paying tribute, calling her a "friend and mentor".

She recalled how the two of them had "called young voters to encourage them to have their voices heard, attended award ceremonies, and brainstormed how to help this beautiful yet complicated world to become more equitable".

"But privately, she was even better than you would imagine."

Meghan described Ms Steinem "loving our children with her whole heart, counseling me during hard times, and giving extraordinary advice and perspective with a cup of tea and an unrivaled cheekiness and wit".

Ex-US secretary of state Hillary Clinton told CBS Mornings: "I'm heartsick, as I think everyone who not only knew her but followed her, was inspired and challenged by her.

"She was one of the architects of the entire structure of women's equality. Tearing down those obstacles to young women being able to participate where their talents and hard work took them."

Hollywood actress Sandra Bullock posted a black and white photograph of Steinem on her Instagram story and said: "With her bare hands and force of will, she paved the roads that millions of us are able to walk on."

Ms Steinem's first brush with national fame came in 1963, when she went undercover as a Playboy bunny to report on the poor working conditions in Hugh Hefner's Playboy clubs.

Ms Steinem earned some of the highest recognitions possible, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the top civilian honour in the US.

Her campaigning for reproductive rights was spurred on by her own illegal abortion at the age of 22, which she publicly revealed years later, in 1969.

Ms Steinem co-founded Ms Magazine, one of the first feminist publications in the US, in 1971 and spent much of her life as an advocate on the road - emphasising that feminism should embrace women of every race.

With her trademark middle-parted hair and aviator glasses, she was hugely recognisable and spoke at universities and community centres, as well as attending rallies and marches.

The activist continued working up until her death and her latest memoir, An Unexpected Life, is scheduled for release later this month.

Her foundation said: "Gloria's greatest gift was her ability to listen to others, to make others feel seen and heard.

"Her words, actions, and example gave people permission to be their truest selves. Gloria lived true to her independent spirit, always with curiosity and a great sense of humour."

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