The National Organization for Women (NOW) was established in 1966 as a response to the growing need for a dedicated feminist organization in the United States. This article delves into the origins of NOW, highlighting the key figures and motivations that led to its creation. The organization aimed to address the systemic inequalities faced by women and to advocate for their rights across various spheres of life.
The Catalyst for Change
The formation of NOW was significantly
influenced by the President's Commission on the Status of Women, established by John F. Kennedy in 1961. This commission aimed to address female discrimination in education, the workforce, and social security. However, the lack of enforcement of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, particularly Title VII, which prohibited sexual discrimination, became a major concern. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) was not effectively implementing these provisions, leaving many women's rights advocates frustrated.
Betty Friedan, a prominent feminist and author of "The Feminine Mystique," played a crucial role in the founding of NOW. Her book, published in 1963, is credited with sparking the second wave of feminism in the United States. Friedan, along with other activists, recognized the need for an organization that could mobilize women and exert pressure on employers and the government to uphold anti-discrimination laws.
The Founding Conference
The National Organization for Women was officially founded at the Third National Conference of Commissions on the Status of Women in June 1966. This conference, held in Washington, D.C., was attended by 28 women who became the initial founders of NOW. They were later joined by 21 more individuals at the October 1966 NOW Organizing Conference, bringing the total number of founders to 49.
The founders were motivated by the failure of the EEOC to enforce Title VII and were determined to create a "NAACP for women." They gathered in Betty Friedan's hotel room to draft the organization's Statement of Purpose, which emphasized the need for concrete action to achieve equality of opportunity and freedom of choice for women.
Early Goals and Challenges
NOW's early goals included increasing the number of women in higher education and professional jobs, as well as advocating for women's appointment to federal offices. The organization also sought to address issues such as reproductive rights, economic justice, and violence against women.
Despite facing opposition from various quarters, NOW quickly became a leading voice in the feminist movement. Its efforts to challenge discriminatory practices and promote gender equality laid the groundwork for significant social and legal changes in the years to come. The founding of NOW marked a pivotal moment in the history of women's rights in the United States, setting the stage for future advancements in gender equality.
