The recent loss of Dolly Parton and Gloria Steinem have prompted reflections from all corners of the globe about these two extraordinary women’s lives that demonstrated the power of campaigning, advocacy and social change.
Two extraordinary women; two extraordinary paths.
Despite their different routes and experiences, one from political activism and journalism, the other from music and entertainment, both understood a simple truth: lasting change happens when people use their platform to improve the lives of others.
Gloria Steinem spent more than five decades at the forefront of the struggle for women’s equality. As a journalist, organiser and co-founder of Ms. Magazine, she helped bring issues such as discrimination, reproductive rights, violence against women and political representation into the mainstream. Gloria inspired generations of campaigners to speak out and organise for change.
Gloria showed us that meaningful change begins with listening and building connections between people. Throughout her life she travelled widely, speaking in communities, attending rallies and helping grassroots movements develop their collective voice. As we know so well at SMK and those we work with, successful campaigning is rarely the work of a single individual, so often the result of people coming together around a common cause.
“Without leaps of imagination, or dreaming, we lose the excitement of possibilities. Dreaming, after all, is a form of planning.” Gloria Steinem
Dolly Parton’s contribution to social change took a different path. Best known as one of the most successful recording artists in history, she used her influence to champion literacy, education, healthcare and community support. Her Imagination Library has distributed hundreds of millions of books to children worldwide.
Dolly demonstrated that campaigning doesn’t always require protest or politics. Sometimes it means identifying a problem and dedicating resources, energy and determination to solving it. Her philanthropy showed how consistent action can create change on a remarkable scale. She used her influence to make tangible differences to people’s lives.
“If you don’t like the road you’re walking, start paving another one.” Dolly Parton
As campaigners what lessons can we learn from Gloria and Dolly
- Change takes persistence. Gloria and Dolly did not achieve their impact overnight.
- Authenticity matters. Both remained closely connected to the values and experiences that shaped them.
- Effective campaigning comes in many forms. It may involve protest, journalism and activism, but it can also involve education, charitable giving and community leadership.
As campaigners their legacies can live on in our own changemaking
Today’s social challenges can feel overwhelming, but Gloria and Dolly remind us that individuals can influence, inspire and create a fairer society. They demonstrated that one voice, used consistently and courageously, can have a lasting impact.
The best tribute we can pay to Gloria and Dolly is not simply to remember what they achieved, but to continue the work of campaigning for positive change in our own communities. Their lives show that progress is not inevitable. It happens because people care enough to act.
Change is possible
At SMK, we believe campaigners are essential to creating change, whether influencing policy, improving public services, or shifting attitudes and behaviours. Yet campaigners today face growing challenges.
Our Change is Possible 2026-2028 strategy, responds to this reality, helping campaigners overcome barriers, seize opportunities, and build collective power. With inspiring stories of campaigners like Gloria and Dolly and so many others as the fuel that powers what we do, our strategy sets out how SMK will support changemakers of all kinds to achieve the change they want to see.