Which civil rights activist founded the National Organization for Women (NOW)?

The founder of the National Organization for Women (NOW) is Betty Friedan. She played a pivotal role in the women's rights movement in the United States and was instrumental in establishing NOW in 1966 as a response to the lack of advocacy for women's issues. Friedan aimed to advocate for women's rights in both the workplace and society at large, promoting equality and addressing discriminatory practices against women.

Throughout her career, Friedan focused on issues such as workplace discrimination, reproductive rights, and equal pay, contributing significantly to the feminist movement. Her groundbreaking book, "The Feminine Mystique," published in 1963, highlighted the dissatisfaction experienced by many women in traditional roles, sparking national conversations about gender equality and women's rights. This activism laid the groundwork for NOW's formation and the advancement of subsequent legislation aimed at improving the status and rights of women in America.

While Gloria Steinem, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and Marian Wright Edelman are all influential figures in civil rights and women's rights themselves, their roles are distinct from that of Friedan in the context of founding NOW. Steinem was a key organizer and spokesperson for feminist causes, Ginsburg is known for her work as a Supreme Court justice and advocate for gender equality in law