Betty Friedan

Profession: Writer

Nationality:

Biography: Betty Friedan was an influential feminist writer and activist, best known for her book The Feminine Mystique (1963), which helped to ignite the second wave of feminism in the United States. In her groundbreaking work, Friedan criticized societal expectations that women find fulfillment through housework, marriage, sexual passivity, and child rearing alone.

After the book's publication, Friedan's influence continued to grow. She co-founded the National Organization for Women (NOW) in 1966, serving as its first president. During her presidency, NOW lobbied for enforcement of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, both of which prohibited discrimination in hiring on the basis of sex.

Friedan was also instrumental in organizing the Women's Strike for Equality in 1970, on the 50th anniversary of women's suffrage in the United States. This large-scale demonstration brought women's issues to the forefront of public consciousness and media attention. She later helped to establish the National Women's Political Caucus in 1971 alongside prominent feminists such as Gloria Steinem and Bella Abzug.

In addition to her activism, Friedan continued to write on gender issues. Her other books include The Second Stage (1981) and The Fountain of Age (1993), which addressed the issues of the women's movement moving into the future and aging respectively.

Born: February 4, 1921
Birthplace: Peoria, Illinois, USA

Generation: Greatest Generation
Chinese Zodiac: Monkey
Star Sign: Aquarius

Died: February 4, 2006 (aged 85)
Cause of Death: Congestive heart failure