NOW National Organization for Women Founded 1966 — Reading Comprehension

In 1966, a group of activists founded the National Organization for Women (NOW) in Washington, D.C. The organization emerged in response to ongoing discrimination against women in American society. Although the United States had made progress in civil rights, many women still faced barriers to equal opportunities at work, in education, and under the law. The founders of NOW believed that women deserved full equality and set out to address the problems they encountered daily.

During the 1960s, the women's rights movement gained momentum as more women entered the workforce and began to question traditional roles. However, despite the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which banned sex discrimination in employment, enforcement was weak. Employers often ignored the law, and government agencies failed to protect women. This frustration led prominent leaders like Betty Friedan, author of "The Feminine Mystique," to take action. Friedan and others saw the need for an organized, national effort to demand change.

One of the main problems NOW addressed was unequal treatment in the workplace. Many women earned less than men for the same work, and job advertisements routinely listed different jobs for men and women. NOW's founders argued that these practices were unfair and harmful to the country's progress. In its 1966 Statement of Purpose, NOW declared, "We believe that the time has come for a new movement toward true equality for all women in America." This statement captured the organization's mission and inspired thousands to join.

NOW took a variety of approaches to solve these problems. The organization lobbied Congress for new legislation to protect women from discrimination, organized public demonstrations, and supported court cases challenging unfair laws. For example, NOW helped push for the passage of Title IX, which required equal opportunities for male and female students in schools and colleges. At the same time, some people criticized NOW's methods. Opponents argued that the group was too radical or that it threatened traditional family values. Even within the women's movement, there were disagreements about priorities and tactics. Some activists wanted NOW to focus on issues affecting women of color and working-class women, while others emphasized legal reforms.

Despite these conflicts, NOW's impact was significant. The organization gave women a national voice and helped shape debates about equality. Over time, NOW expanded its goals to include reproductive rights, ending violence against women, and achieving greater representation in politics. The group's efforts led to major changes in laws and attitudes, although challenges remained. For example, the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), which NOW strongly supported, failed to be added to the U.S. Constitution despite years of activism. This setback showed that social change is often complex and requires long-term effort.

Analyzing the history of NOW reveals both its successes and its limitations. The organization helped bring issues of gender equality into mainstream discussion and inspired future generations of activists. At the same time, it faced criticism for not always representing the needs of all women, particularly women of color and those from different economic backgrounds. Understanding these multiple perspectives allows us to see the broader context of the fight for equality in America.

Interesting Fact: In 1968, NOW organized the first public demonstration for women's rights at the Miss America Pageant to protest sexist standards and discrimination.

When was NOW founded?

Who was a key founder of NOW?

What law did NOW help support?

Why was NOW formed?

What issue did NOW NOT focus on?

What does the primary source quote show?

NOW still exists today. True or false?

What is discrimination?