National Organization for Women (NOW)

History and founding

NOW was formed in 1966 by several activists who were frustrated with slow progress on civil rights and gender equality in law and employment. One of the leading founders and the first national president was Betty Friedan, whose 1963 book The Feminine Mystique had helped catalyze the movement. Early priorities included securing legislative and judicial remedies for sex discrimination and campaigning for the proposed Equal Rights Amendment (ERA).

Structure and membership

The organization is structured with a national office and elected leadership, supported by state and local chapters across the country. Membership combines individuals and affiliated local groups; at various points NOW has reported hundreds of thousands of members and supporters. Activities are often coordinated through task forces, committees and annual conferences that set legislative and program priorities.

Issues and activities

• Legal equality and support for measures such as the ERA and anti-discrimination laws.
• Reproductive rights and access to healthcare.
• Economic equity, including pay equity and workplace protections.
• Efforts to end gender-based violence and improve legal responses to abuse.
• Public education, litigation, lobbying and coalition-building with other social justice groups.

NOW uses a mix of public campaigns, grassroots organizing, legislative advocacy and legal challenges to pursue its goals. It has worked with allied organizations and engaged in electoral politics to support candidates and policies aligned with its platform.

Impact, controversies and legacy

Over decades, NOW helped shift public debate, influence legislation, and bring attention to workplace discrimination, reproductive autonomy and violence against women. It played a central role in mobilizing activists around the ERA and other reforms, even as some initiatives fell short of full legal victory. The organization has also experienced internal debates and criticism at times over strategy, priorities and inclusiveness—a reflection of broader tensions within feminist movements. Despite challenges, NOW remains an influential voice in American gender politics and continues to organize around contemporary issues of equality and justice. For official statements and resources, see organizational pages.