The National Organization for Women (NOW) is an American feminist organization founded in 1966 that advocates for women's rights and gender equality. NOW was established during the second wave of feminism, aiming to address a wide range of issues including workplace discrimination, reproductive rights, and political representation. Its formation played a crucial role in the women’s liberation movement and helped amplify the voices of key activists advocating for systemic change in society.
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NOW was founded in response to the lack of inclusion of women’s issues in the civil rights movement and mainstream politics during the 1960s.
The organization played a significant role in lobbying for legislation such as the Equal Pay Act of 1963 and Title IX, which prohibits gender discrimination in education.
NOW's first president was Betty Friedan, who was also a key figure in the second-wave feminist movement known for her book 'The Feminine Mystique.'
The organization has engaged in various forms of activism, including demonstrations, legal challenges, and public education campaigns to promote women's rights.
NOW continues to address contemporary issues such as reproductive rights, domestic violence prevention, and comprehensive healthcare access for women.
Review Questions
How did the formation of NOW contribute to the second wave of feminism?
The formation of NOW marked a pivotal moment in the second wave of feminism by providing a structured organization focused on advocating for women's rights across multiple sectors. It brought together diverse feminists who were committed to addressing systemic inequalities that were often ignored in previous movements. By emphasizing issues like workplace discrimination and reproductive rights, NOW helped broaden the agenda of feminism during this era and mobilized large groups of women to demand change.
Discuss the significance of Betty Friedan's leadership in NOW and how it influenced feminist activism.
Betty Friedan's leadership in NOW was significant because she brought national attention to women's issues through her work as an author and activist. As the first president of NOW, she helped shape its mission to fight for equality and challenged traditional gender roles. Friedan's influence also encouraged other women to engage in feminist activism, ultimately leading to increased visibility for women's rights movements and a push for legislative reforms.
Evaluate the ongoing impact of NOW on barriers to women's political participation today.
NOW has had a lasting impact on addressing barriers to women's political participation by continuously advocating for policies that promote gender equality. The organization's efforts to combat discrimination and support women candidates have contributed to increasing female representation in political offices. Despite progress, challenges remain, such as systemic bias and unequal access to resources, which NOW continues to address through advocacy, education, and grassroots organizing. The organization’s commitment to intersectionality is vital for understanding and dismantling these barriers effectively.
Related terms
Second-wave feminism: A period of feminist activism starting in the early 1960s that focused on issues beyond legal equality, such as sexuality, family, and reproductive rights.
Feminist activism: Efforts aimed at advocating for women's rights and gender equality, often involving grassroots organizing, protests, and policy advocacy.