Notable Deaths in September: From Women’s Rights Icon to Political Leaders

Celebrated figures and leaders passed away in September, including a women's rights icon and Hong Kong's first leader.

October 8, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — New York, United States — The global community mourned the loss of a towering figure in the women’s rights movement this September as Gloria Steinem, renowned author and activist, passed away.

Steinem was a leading voice for gender equality, instrumental in founding Ms. Magazine, and spent decades traveling across the country to speak at universities, protests, and public gatherings.

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In addition to Steinem, the month also marked the passing of Tung Chee-hwa, the first chief executive of Hong Kong following the end of British rule in 1997. Other notable figures who died in September include Japanese baseball legend Isao Harimoto, jazz singer Cassandra Wilson, and former U.S. Senator Jon Kyl.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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