National Organization for Women (NOW)

Definition

The National Organization for Women (NOW) is a prominent feminist advocacy group founded in 1966, aimed at promoting gender equality and addressing issues affecting women in various spheres of life. NOW was established as a response to the lack of attention to women's rights in the civil rights movement, utilizing various strategies to influence legislation, public policy, and societal attitudes towards gender equality.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. NOW was founded in 1966 by a group of activists, including Betty Friedan, who sought to address the systemic inequalities faced by women in American society.
2. The organization has played a crucial role in advocating for issues such as reproductive rights, workplace equality, and protection against domestic violence.
3. NOW utilizes various tactics, including lobbying, public campaigns, and grassroots organizing to raise awareness and influence policy changes related to women's rights.
4. The organization has also focused on intersectional feminism, addressing how race, class, sexual orientation, and other factors impact women's experiences and rights.
5. Through its advocacy efforts, NOW has significantly contributed to legislative changes such as the inclusion of sex discrimination in civil rights laws.

Review Questions

• How did the founding of NOW reflect the broader feminist movements of the 1960s?
  • The founding of NOW was a direct response to the inadequacies perceived in the civil rights movement regarding women's issues. It highlighted the need for an organized effort specifically focused on gender equality. By addressing topics like workplace discrimination and reproductive rights, NOW became a vital player in advancing feminist causes during a period when women's voices were often sidelined.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of NOW's strategies in promoting gender equality over the years.
  • NOW's strategies have been effective in raising awareness and influencing policy around gender equality issues. Through lobbying efforts and public campaigns, they have made significant strides in areas like reproductive rights and workplace equality. Their grassroots organizing approach has also empowered local communities to advocate for their rights, although challenges remain in achieving comprehensive legislative changes like the Equal Rights Amendment.
• Synthesize the impact of NOW on contemporary feminist movements and how it shapes current discourse on women's rights.
  • NOW has laid the groundwork for contemporary feminist movements by establishing critical frameworks around gender equality advocacy. Its focus on intersectionality has influenced newer feminist groups to consider diverse women's experiences. As today's discussions around women’s rights continue to evolve, NOW's longstanding mission shapes how issues are framed and addressed, ensuring that historical lessons inform modern strategies in pursuit of equality.

Related terms

Feminism: A social and political movement advocating for women's rights and equality across various domains, including economic, social, and political spheres.

Equal Rights Amendment (ERA): A proposed amendment to the United States Constitution aimed at guaranteeing equal legal rights for all American citizens regardless of sex.

Grassroots Organizing: A strategy employed by organizations to mobilize individuals at the community level to advocate for social change, often relying on local support and involvement.