Founding of the National Organization for Women (NOW)

On June 30, 1966, the National Organization for Women (NOW) was founded in Washington, D.C. This pivotal moment in the history of the women’s rights movement marked the establishment of an organization dedicated to advocating for equality and the full participation of women in American society.

Context and Background

The 1960s were a period of significant social change in the United States, characterized by the civil rights movement, anti-war protests, and a growing awareness of gender inequality. Despite the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibited discrimination based on sex, many women felt that their rights were still not being adequately addressed or enforced.

The idea for NOW emerged from frustrations with the lack of progress in implementing Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, which was supposed to ensure equal employment opportunities for women. A group of activists, including Betty Friedan, author of “The Feminine Mystique,” and Pauli Murray, a prominent civil rights lawyer, recognized the need for an organized effort to push for women’s rights.

Key Events Leading to the Founding

• Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Inaction: The EEOC, established to enforce Title VII, was perceived as ineffective in addressing gender discrimination. This inaction galvanized activists to form a separate organization focused on women’s rights.

• Third National Conference of the Commission on the Status of Women: Held in June 1966, this conference became a catalyst for the founding of NOW. Frustrated by the lack of progress, a group of women, including Friedan and Murray, met to discuss the formation of an independent organization.

Founding of NOW

At its inception, NOW was designed to be a civil rights organization that would advocate for women in all aspects of society. The founding statement outlined several key goals:

• Achieving Equality: NOW aimed to bring women into full participation in the mainstream of American society, exercising all privileges and responsibilities thereof in truly equal partnership with men.

• Legal and Economic Rights: The organization sought to eliminate discrimination in employment, education, and other areas, advocating for equal pay and opportunities.

• Reproductive Rights: NOW also emphasized the importance of women’s autonomy over their reproductive choices, a stance that would become a central issue in the women’s rights movement.

Aftermath and Significance

The founding of NOW marked a significant turning point in the women’s rights movement. The organization quickly grew in membership and influence, playing a crucial role in advocating for legislative changes and raising public awareness about gender inequality. Some of its notable achievements include:

• Support for the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA): NOW became a leading advocate for the ERA, which sought to guarantee equal rights under the law regardless of sex.

• Legal and Social Reforms: The organization has been instrumental in pushing for reforms in areas such as workplace discrimination, reproductive rights, and violence against women.

Today, NOW remains one of the largest and most influential feminist organizations in the United States, continuing to fight for gender equality and social justice. Its founding on June 30, 1966, represents a landmark moment in the ongoing struggle for women’s rights.