The Mother Of The Modern Women's Movement

By hebarnes

  • Published "The Feminine Mystique"

    Began research for the book during her 15th high school reunion. Her research consisted of interviewing women about working or being a housewife, and equality to men. After publishing, it became one of the most influential nonfiction books of the 20th century. By her publishing this book about the insight to the "problem that had no name", aka women's inequality, it finally brought more awareness to the women's movement.
    https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/betty-friedan

  • Co-founded the National Organization for Women

    During her founding of this organization, Betty, Pauli Murray, and Aileen Hernandez demanded that the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission enforce Title VII guaranteeing equality in employment. In turn successfully ending the practice of sex segregated help wanted advertising. This was another step in the right direction for equal representation in media.

  • Helped Found and Gave Speech for NARAL

    NARAL- National Abortion Rights Action League or as it once was named the National Association for the Repeal of Abortion Laws. She gave a speech on behalf of the league and other women's activists that essentially stated that women won't be equal to men unless they have the right to choose. Referring to the abortion laws at the time. This was fundamental for the reframing of the abortion issue, and creating a sense of urgency.

  • Co-founded the National Women's Political Caucus

    With the additions of other activists and congresswomen, Betty founded the National Women's Political Caucus. Within this organization Betty was influential in changing laws such as pregnancy discrimination, unfair hiring practices, and gendered pay inequality. By changing these laws it helped genders become much more equal. Though, these were just the beginning steps to a continuing fight, these steps were monumental.