In the 1960s, the United States experienced a wave of social transformation, and among the most influential voices was Betty Friedan. Known as the author of The Feminine Mystique, she also played a central role in founding an organization that changed the trajectory of the women’s movement. This association, the National Organization for Women (NOW), became a cornerstone in the fight for gender equality. Understanding the origins, goals, and achievements of this group highlights the impact that Betty Friedan had on American society and the broader feminist movement.
The Birth of a Movement
Betty Friedan founded the National Organization for Women in 1966, at a time when opportunities for women were limited and systemic discrimination was common. Despite progress in civil rights, women still faced barriers in employment, education, and politics. Friedan and other activists believed that a unified organization was necessary to challenge these injustices and push for equality.
Why the National Organization for Women Was Needed
The association was created to address the gap between the promises of equality in American law and the reality of women’s lived experiences. Women were often excluded from high-level jobs, received lower pay than men for the same work, and were underrepresented in government leadership. Legal protections were weak, and enforcement of anti-discrimination laws was often ignored. This lack of progress inspired Friedan and others to form a new kind of advocacy group.
Betty Friedan’s Vision
Betty Friedan envisioned the National Organization for Women as an activist association that would use legal, political, and social tools to fight discrimination. Her leadership style emphasized direct action, coalition-building, and grassroots organizing. She wanted to create a movement that was not only about women’s rights but also about changing the structures of society that perpetuated inequality.
Core Principles
The association founded by Betty Friedan embraced several principles that guided its work
- Equality of opportunity in employment, education, and politics.
- Elimination of gender-based discrimination in all forms.
- Support for reproductive rights and personal freedom.
- Representation of women’s voices in decision-making processes.
- Challenging traditional gender roles and stereotypes.
These principles became the foundation of NOW’s activism and set the stage for decades of advocacy.
Early Campaigns and Achievements
The association quickly became one of the most visible feminist organizations in the country. Its campaigns were wide-ranging, reflecting the diverse challenges women faced in the 1960s and 1970s.
Employment Equality
One of the first issues NOW tackled was workplace discrimination. Women were frequently denied promotions, received lower wages than men, and faced barriers in male-dominated fields. The organization fought to enforce Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibited employment discrimination but was rarely applied to gender issues at the time. Through protests, legal challenges, and lobbying, NOW helped ensure that gender discrimination became a recognized violation of civil rights law.
Reproductive Rights
Betty Friedan and NOW also supported a woman’s right to control her own reproductive health. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, debates around abortion and birth control became central to the feminist movement. The association argued that true equality was impossible without reproductive freedom. Their advocacy contributed to the broader public dialogue that led to the landmark Roe v. Wade decision in 1973.
Representation in Politics
The lack of women in political office was another focus of the organization. By encouraging women to run for public office and pushing political parties to support female candidates, NOW helped break down barriers in political participation. This advocacy paved the way for greater representation of women at local, state, and national levels.
The Broader Impact of NOW
The association founded by Betty Friedan did more than fight individual battles it helped redefine the role of women in American society. By creating a national platform for feminist issues, NOW inspired countless individuals and groups to join the movement for equality.
Challenging Cultural Norms
One of the most significant contributions of NOW was its role in challenging traditional gender roles. Through speeches, publications, and campaigns, the organization encouraged women to pursue education, careers, and leadership roles beyond domestic responsibilities. This cultural shift was vital in changing perceptions of what women could achieve.
Coalition Building
NOW also worked with other civil rights organizations, labor unions, and advocacy groups to build a broader coalition for social change. Betty Friedan believed that feminism was connected to other struggles for justice, and this inclusive vision strengthened the movement.
Criticism and Challenges
While the association founded by Betty Friedan achieved many successes, it also faced criticism. Some argued that its early focus primarily reflected the concerns of middle-class white women, leaving out the perspectives of women of color, working-class women, and LGBTQ activists. Over time, the organization broadened its agenda to address intersectionality and diversity, but these criticisms shaped debates within the feminist movement.
Internal Tensions
As the movement grew, tensions sometimes arose between different factions within NOW. Betty Friedan herself faced disagreements with more radical feminists who wanted to push the organization in new directions. Despite these challenges, NOW remained a central force in advancing women’s rights.
Legacy of Betty Friedan and NOW
More than fifty years after its founding, the association Betty Friedan helped create remains one of the most influential feminist organizations in the world. Its campaigns for equality, justice, and representation continue to resonate with new generations. The organization has adapted to address contemporary issues such as LGBTQ rights, healthcare access, and workplace harassment, showing that its mission is still relevant today.
Inspiration for Future Movements
The National Organization for Women not only changed the status of women in the United States but also inspired feminist movements worldwide. Activists in other countries looked to NOW as a model for building grassroots organizations that could fight systemic inequality.
The association founded by Betty Friedan, the National Organization for Women, emerged as a powerful force during a transformative period in American history. By fighting for employment equality, reproductive rights, and political representation, it reshaped opportunities for women across the nation. Betty Friedan’s vision of a society where women could live free from discrimination laid the foundation for generations of activism. Even today, the impact of NOW continues to be felt, proving that the work started by Friedan and her colleagues remains vital to the ongoing pursuit of equality.