The Women's Liberation Movement

 

The Women’s Liberation Movement is just another phrase for the Feminist Movement. It has been ongoing for nearly a hundred years but it didn’t fully get it’s acclamation until the 1960s. The right for women to vote was ratified in 1920, but women's suffrage had been fought for long before that starting in 1848. Many women used this phrase to promote the idea for the rights of women. It can be seen on multiple protest signs from the 1960s decade.

While the main focus is on the 1960s, it is important to mention that the Women's Liberation Movement went into the 1970s as well. Passed by Congress in 1972, the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) declared, "Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex." In 1973 the Supreme Court in Roe v. Wade sanctioned women's right to abortion during the early months of pregnancy. This was a very important and significant victory for women’s rights activists because it gave them the right to choose what’s best for their body rather than the government.

The National Organization for Women

 

The National Organization for Women (NOW) is the most prominent women’s rights group that was formed in the 1960s and it is still working hard presently.  Betty Friedan, the author of The Feminine Mystique, and twenty-eight women founded the National Organization for Women (NOW) in June 1966. The purpose of the organization was “to take action to bring women into full participation in the mainstream of American society now, exercising all privileges and responsibilities thereof in true equal partnership with men” (NOW).

 

 

How Women Fought for Their Rights

 

The way women fought for equality was peaceful. They were very passionate about their ideas and they protested for equality not just for women’s rights, but for human rights. Protest methods included sit-ins, banners, and marching in a large group and shouting for what they want. These forms of protests still take place today.

 

 

 

How the Fight has affected Today's Society

Without organizations like NOW, women today would not have the opportunities they do now. In the 1960s, girls weren’t even allowed to play sports or get a high paying job. Now, women can play just about any sport either with just women or even co-ed sports. Also, women can work their way to the top in a high paying business now.

However the job of fighting for equality still isn’t exactly done. Women still get paid 77 cents for every dollar her male coworker makes. Even though this is unfair, women can now sue the company she works for if she suspects she is getting paid less than a man with the same job title.

While NOW focuses on women's rights, they fight for human rights as well. They fight for reproductive rights, lesbian rights, economic justice, and they fight against racism and violence against women.

 

 

 

If you are interested in joining, donating, or just want to learn more, visit the National Organization for Women (NOW) website!  http://now.org/