National Organization for Women

Definition

The National Organization for Women (NOW) is a feminist advocacy group founded in 1966 that aims to promote equal rights and opportunities for women in all areas of society. It was established to address issues such as gender discrimination, reproductive rights, and workplace equality, serving as a leading force in the women's liberation movement during the late 20th century.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. NOW was founded in 1966 in Washington, D.C., with the goal of advocating for women's rights and promoting gender equality across various sectors.
2. The organization's first president was Betty Friedan, a prominent feminist author and activist known for her book 'The Feminine Mystique'.
3. NOW played a significant role in mobilizing women to fight for reproductive rights, including access to birth control and the right to abortion.
4. The organization has been instrumental in supporting the Equal Rights Amendment, which sought to ensure that rights cannot be denied based on sex.
5. Through grassroots activism, lobbying efforts, and legal challenges, NOW has worked to address issues such as workplace harassment and wage disparity for women.

Review Questions

• How did the founding of the National Organization for Women reflect the broader goals of the women's liberation movement?
  • The founding of NOW in 1966 represented a significant moment in the women's liberation movement as it provided a structured platform for addressing systemic gender inequality. The organization focused on various issues such as workplace discrimination, reproductive rights, and political representation. By rallying women and advocating for legislative change, NOW aimed to empower women and challenge societal norms that perpetuated gender-based discrimination.
• Evaluate the impact of NOW on legislation concerning women's rights during the 1970s and beyond.
  • NOW had a profound impact on women's rights legislation from the 1970s onward by actively campaigning for laws that addressed gender discrimination. Their advocacy contributed to landmark legislation such as Title IX, which prohibited sex discrimination in federally funded education programs. Additionally, NOW's support for the Equal Rights Amendment pushed discussions around constitutional guarantees of gender equality, although it ultimately fell short of ratification. The organization's efforts have helped shape policies that continue to influence women's rights today.
• Critically analyze how NOW has evolved since its inception and its relevance in contemporary discussions about gender equality.
  • Since its inception, NOW has evolved to address not only traditional feminist issues but also broader social justice concerns intersecting with race, sexuality, and class. In contemporary discussions about gender equality, NOW remains relevant by adapting its strategies to tackle issues like pay equity, sexual harassment, and reproductive rights within an increasingly diverse societal context. The organization's ability to mobilize grassroots activism while also engaging in national policy debates reflects its ongoing commitment to ensuring that all women have equal rights and opportunities in a rapidly changing world.

Related terms

Feminism: A social and political movement advocating for women's rights on the grounds of political, social, and economic equality to men.

Equal Rights Amendment:

A proposed amendment to the U.S. Constitution aimed at guaranteeing equal legal rights for all American citizens regardless of sex.

Title IX:

A federal law enacted in 1972 that prohibits discrimination based on sex in any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.