“[A majority of] white women have traditionally voted Republican because they are dependent on their husband’s income,” says Steinem. “They are voting for their husband’s interests.”

She adds: “It has always been true that since the beginning of the women’s movement in this country, African-American women were twice as likely to support the movement and the issues of feminism as white women were.”

There is still work to be done before mainstream feminism is truly inclusive. But if we’re to move forward, Steinem says that we should take pride in discussing subjects that might make us feel uncomfortable.

“I’m very proud of the women’s movement for being the most diverse of any social justice movement, and for having these important conversations,” she says.

Images: Getty, Rex Features

White feminism “is not feminism”, says Gloria Steinem