Friedan Leads Women’s History Discussion
Betty Friedan, a leading voice in the women’s rights movement, will speak today at the Library of Congress in celebration of Women’s History Month.
Friedan is perhaps most well known for her controversial 1963 book “The Feminine Mystique,” which explored the dissatisfaction of 1960s American housewives. She also co-founded the National Organization for Women in 1966 and served as that group’s president until 1970. During that time she helped campaign for the Equal Rights Amendment. She currently is co-chairwoman of Women, Men and Media, a research organization focusing on gender and the media.
In addition to “The Feminine Mystique,” Friedan also wrote “It Changed My Life: Writings on the Women’s Movement” (1976); “The Second Stage” (1981), which assessed the status of the women’s movement; and “The Fountain of Age” (1993), which explores society’s views on aging. Friedan will sign copies of her books following the discussion.
“A Conversation with Betty Friedan” takes place at 11 a.m. today in the Mumford Room of the Library’s James Madison Building. It is free and open to the public, but seating is limited.
— Amy Carlile