Betty Friedan was an American writer, feminist, and women's rights activist. Born on February 4, 1921, in Peoria, Illinois, she is best known for her pivotal role in the second-wave feminist movement in the United States. As the author of the groundbreaking book "The Feminine Mystique," published in 1963, Friedan became one of the leading voices advocating for gender equality and challenging societal norms that confined women to traditional gender roles.
Friedan's work emphasized the disillusionment experienced by women who felt unfulfilled by their role as wives and mothers, and she urged women to seek personal and professional fulfillment outside of their traditional domestic roles. "The Feminine Mystique" sparked a national conversation about the oppressive limitations placed on women, inspiring countless others to join the feminist movement and work towards achieving equality.
Beyond her influential book, Friedan co-founded the National Organization for Women (NOW) in 1966, an influential organization dedicated to promoting women's rights. As its first president, she played a significant role in advocating for gender equality legislation, such as the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), and fighting against discrimination in the workplace.
Betty Friedan's contributions to women's rights and gender equality continue to have a lasting impact on society. She helped reshape cultural perceptions of women, challenging the notion that their sole purpose was to be wives and mothers. Her work paved the way for numerous advancements in women's rights and inspired future generations of feminist activists.
