National Organization for Women

Definition

The National Organization for Women (NOW) is an American feminist organization founded in 1966 that aims to advocate for women's rights and equality. It emerged during a period of significant cultural and social change, addressing issues such as workplace discrimination, reproductive rights, and equal pay, while striving to eliminate gender-based inequalities in society.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. NOW was founded by a group of activists including Betty Friedan, who sought to address women's issues that were overlooked by mainstream civil rights organizations.
2. The organization played a crucial role in advocating for the passage of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), aiming to guarantee equal legal rights for all citizens regardless of sex.
3. NOW's campaigns often focused on issues such as workplace rights, reproductive health, and combating violence against women.
4. The organization has influenced legislation and policies that promote gender equality and has contributed to public awareness of women's issues.
5. As part of the second wave of feminism, NOW helped spark broader movements that sought to challenge traditional gender roles and advocate for women's liberation.

Review Questions

• How did the founding of the National Organization for Women reflect the cultural and social changes occurring in America during the late 1960s?
  • The founding of NOW was a direct response to the growing awareness and activism surrounding women's rights during the late 1960s. This period saw significant cultural shifts as women began to challenge traditional roles and fight for equality. The establishment of NOW marked a formalized effort to address gender disparities in various aspects of life, including employment and education, signifying a broader movement toward social justice and civil rights.
• Evaluate the impact of NOW on legislative changes regarding women's rights since its inception.
  • Since its founding, NOW has been instrumental in influencing legislation related to women's rights. The organization actively campaigned for laws like the Equal Pay Act of 1963 and Title IX, which helped establish legal protections against gender discrimination. By mobilizing grassroots support and lobbying policymakers, NOW has contributed significantly to advancing gender equality in workplaces and educational institutions across the United States.
• Discuss the long-term significance of the National Organization for Women in shaping contemporary feminist movements and its legacy in addressing ongoing gender inequalities.
  • The National Organization for Women has played a foundational role in shaping contemporary feminist movements by establishing a framework for advocacy and activism focused on women's rights. Its efforts have paved the way for future generations to continue addressing ongoing issues like reproductive rights, workplace equity, and violence against women. NOW's legacy is evident in the ongoing discussions about gender equality today, as it laid the groundwork for subsequent waves of feminism and helped foster a culture that values women's voices and experiences.

Related terms

Second Wave Feminism: A period of feminist activism beginning in the early 1960s that focused on issues like gender inequality, reproductive rights, and sexual liberation.

Equal Pay Act of 1963: A federal law aimed at abolishing wage disparity based on sex, requiring equal pay for equal work in the workforce.

Title IX: A federal law passed in 1972 that prohibits discrimination based on sex in any educational program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.