National Organization for Women

Definition

The National Organization for Women (NOW) is a feminist advocacy group founded in 1966 that focuses on advocating for women's rights and equality in various aspects of society, including employment, education, and reproductive rights. NOW was established in response to the lack of equal opportunities for women and the ongoing discrimination they faced, making it a key player 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 by a group of activists, including Betty Friedan, who sought to address the systemic inequalities faced by women in American society.
2. The organization played a critical role in lobbying for the Equal Rights Amendment, which aimed to ensure equal rights for women under the law.
3. NOW's early campaigns focused on issues like workplace discrimination, reproductive rights, and equitable pay, seeking to dismantle barriers to women's full participation in society.
4. By the 1970s, NOW had expanded its focus to include a range of social justice issues, advocating not only for women but also for marginalized groups facing discrimination.
5. Today, NOW continues to work on issues such as domestic violence prevention, reproductive health access, and racial and economic justice.

Review Questions

• How did the formation of the National Organization for Women reflect the broader societal changes regarding gender roles during the 1960s?
  • The formation of NOW in 1966 represented a pivotal moment in the women's liberation movement, reflecting growing dissatisfaction with traditional gender roles and the systemic inequalities women faced. It emerged at a time when many women were questioning their societal status and demanding equal treatment in various sectors. NOW's establishment highlighted the need for organized advocacy to address these issues, leading to significant advancements in women's rights over subsequent decades.
• In what ways did NOW influence legislation related to women's rights in the late 20th century?
  • NOW significantly influenced legislation regarding women's rights by actively campaigning for laws like Title IX, which prohibited gender discrimination in education, and by supporting the Equal Rights Amendment. Their lobbying efforts brought attention to issues such as pay equity and workplace discrimination. Through public demonstrations and legal challenges, NOW helped shape policies that aimed to enhance women's access to education and employment opportunities.
• Evaluate the ongoing impact of the National Organization for Women on contemporary gender equality movements in America.
  • The ongoing impact of NOW on contemporary gender equality movements is evident in its continued advocacy for women's rights across multiple platforms. NOW has adapted to modern challenges by addressing intersectionality within feminism and advocating for issues like reproductive rights and racial justice. The organization's legacy influences current movements such as #MeToo and advocates for systemic changes that promote equity and justice for all genders, underscoring its crucial role in shaping contemporary discussions around gender equality.

Related terms

Feminism: A social and political movement advocating for women's rights and equality between genders, aiming to address issues such as gender discrimination and reproductive rights.

Equal Rights Amendment: A proposed amendment to the U.S. Constitution designed to guarantee equal legal rights for all American citizens regardless of sex, which was strongly supported by NOW.

Title IX: A federal law enacted in 1972 that prohibits gender discrimination in federally funded education programs and activities, significantly impacting women's access to sports and education.