National Organization for Women

Definition

The National Organization for Women (NOW) is a feminist organization founded in 1966 aimed at advocating for women's rights and gender equality across various aspects of society. It emerged as a response to the lack of inclusion of women's issues in the civil rights movement, pushing for policies addressing workplace discrimination, reproductive rights, and social justice. NOW plays a crucial role in mobilizing women and raising awareness about systemic inequalities.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. NOW was founded in 1966 by a group of activists including Betty Friedan and Pauli Murray, aiming to advance women's rights through lobbying, advocacy, and grassroots organizing.
2. The organization was pivotal in pushing for legislation like Title IX, which prohibits gender discrimination in educational programs receiving federal funding.
3. NOW also launched campaigns against workplace harassment and discrimination, highlighting issues such as the gender pay gap and parental leave policies.
4. In addition to advocating for equal rights in the workplace, NOW has been a strong supporter of reproductive rights, fighting for access to safe and legal abortion services.
5. Over the years, NOW has expanded its focus to include intersectional issues such as race, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status, recognizing that women's experiences are diverse and multifaceted.

Review Questions

• How did the founding of the National Organization for Women reflect the broader goals of the women's rights movement in the 1960s?
  • The founding of NOW was a direct response to the perceived shortcomings of the civil rights movement concerning women's issues. Activists recognized that women's rights were often sidelined and sought to create a dedicated organization that would address workplace discrimination, reproductive rights, and broader social justice. By emphasizing these issues, NOW helped to unify various factions within the women's rights movement and bring national attention to the struggles women faced in achieving equality.
• Analyze how NOW's advocacy efforts have influenced legislation related to women's rights in the United States since its inception.
  • Since its establishment, NOW has played a significant role in advocating for key legislation aimed at promoting women's rights. One of its major successes includes support for Title IX, which prohibits sex-based discrimination in federally funded education programs. Additionally, NOW has been at the forefront of efforts to pass the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), reinforcing the push for constitutional guarantees of gender equality. The organization's lobbying has also contributed to advancements in reproductive rights and workplace protections.
• Evaluate the impact of intersectionality on NOW's mission and how it shapes their current initiatives.
  • Intersectionality has profoundly influenced NOW's mission by highlighting that women's experiences are not monolithic; they vary based on race, class, sexual orientation, and other identities. As a result, NOW has broadened its initiatives to address not just gender equality but also racial justice, LGBTQ+ rights, and economic disparities. This inclusive approach allows NOW to better advocate for a diverse membership and address systemic injustices that affect women differently across various communities, thereby creating a more comprehensive framework for activism.

Related terms

Feminism: A social and political movement advocating for the rights of women and gender equality, seeking to challenge and change societal norms that perpetuate gender-based discrimination.

Equal Rights Amendment (ERA): A proposed amendment to the United States Constitution designed to guarantee equal legal rights for all American citizens regardless of sex, which was heavily supported by NOW.

Reproductive Rights:

The legal rights and freedoms relating to reproduction and reproductive health, including access to contraception and abortion services, which are central issues for NOW.