Betty Friedan was a key figure in the feminist movement, known for her role in founding the National Organization for Women (NOW) in 1966. As the first president of NOW, Friedan played a crucial role in advocating for women's rights and challenging societal norms. The organization became a powerful force in the feminist movement, working to bring women into the mainstream of American society in equal partnership with men.
The Founding of NOW
The National Organization
for Women was founded in 1966 by Betty Friedan and a group of like-minded activists. The organization was born out of frustration with the federal government's failure to enforce anti-discrimination laws, particularly Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibited sex discrimination in employment. At the Third National Conference of State Commissions on the Status of Women, Friedan and others were prohibited from issuing a resolution recommending that the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission enforce its mandate to end sex discrimination.
In response, Friedan and her colleagues gathered in her hotel room to form a new organization dedicated to advocating for women's rights. On a paper napkin, Friedan scribbled the acronym "NOW," marking the beginning of a new era in the feminist movement. The organization's founding statement, written by Friedan and Pauli Murray, declared that "the time has come to confront, with concrete action, the conditions that now prevent women from enjoying the equality of opportunity and freedom of choice which is their right."
Advocacy and Achievements
Under Friedan's leadership, NOW quickly became a leading voice in the feminist movement, advocating for a wide range of issues affecting women. The organization lobbied for the enforcement of Title VII and the Equal Pay Act of 1963, achieving significant legislative victories. NOW also campaigned for the passage of the Equal Rights Amendment, which sought to guarantee equal rights for women under the law.
One of NOW's early successes was its role in securing a 1967 Executive Order that extended affirmative action to women, as well as a 1968 decision by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission that ruled sex-segregated help-wanted ads illegal. These victories were significant steps toward achieving gender equality in the workplace and beyond.
NOW also played a crucial role in advocating for reproductive rights, including the legalization of abortion. The organization supported the establishment of national daycare centers and worked to ensure that women had equal access to public spaces. Through protests and legal action, NOW challenged discriminatory practices and fought for women's rights on multiple fronts.
Legacy and Continued Influence
Betty Friedan's leadership of NOW had a lasting impact on the feminist movement and the fight for gender equality. The organization continues to be a powerful advocate for women's rights, addressing issues such as reproductive health, economic justice, and violence against women. NOW's work has paved the way for future generations of feminists, inspiring continued activism and progress.
Friedan's vision for NOW was one of inclusivity and equality, seeking to address the needs of all women, regardless of their backgrounds or roles. Her work with the organization helped to shift the conversation around women's rights, highlighting the importance of legal and social change in achieving gender equality.
Today, NOW remains a vital force in the feminist movement, continuing to advocate for the rights and opportunities of women across the United States. Betty Friedan's legacy lives on through the organization's ongoing efforts to challenge discrimination and promote equality, serving as a reminder of the power of collective action in effecting social change.
