National Organization for Women

By Tori Poppenheimer

NOW, born out of the feminist movement of the 60s has probably done more to advocate for equality for all types of women than any other organization. We Business and Professional Women have benefited in so many ways from the important work done to bring equality to all women. The idea that a woman’s only proper role is as a wife, mother and homemaker was forever shattered thus paving the way for us to be accepted in the business world. In my opinion we still have a long way to go. The corporate glass ceiling is still there and blocks so many women from well deserved positions in upper management, in my 25 years of working as a professional and executive in companies both large and small I’ve witnessed countless cases of blatant discrimination against women. From the victim’s perspective it is often difficult to recognize and know for sure if one is being discriminated against. Laws (hard fought for by groups like NOW) force management to hide it well, yet having experienced corporate life from both side of the great gender divide, there is no doubt in my mind that gender discrimination is still deeply entrenched in our system.

While NOW is far more “activist” than BPW, their work is very complimentary and supportive of BPW goals. BPW members may want to join NOW, and even if activism isn’t your cup of tea… by simply being a member, even if your participation is limited, adds strength to their voice, the voice of all women, the voice of equality for all humans regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, sexuality, religion, etc..

NOW’s major current issues they advocate for are;

Constitutional Equality Amendment: Reproductive Rights: Racism: Lesbian Rights: Violence Against Women: Economic Justice:

The National Organization for Women (NOW) is the largest organization of feminist activists in the United States. NOW has 500,000 contributing members and 550 chapters in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Since its founding in 1966, NOW's goal has been to take action to bring about equality for all women. NOW works to eliminate discrimination and harassment in the workplace, schools, the justice system, and all other sectors of society; secure abortion, birth control and reproductive rights for all women; end all forms of violence against women; eradicate racism, sexism and homophobia.