Betty Friedan

4 February 1921 – 4 February 2006

Betty Friedan was an American feminist writer and activist whose 1963 book The Feminine Mystique is widely credited with sparking the second wave of feminism in the United States. She co-founded and served as the first president of the National Organization for Women and helped organize major women's rights campaigns.

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Life events

Born in Peoria, Illinois
4 February 1921

Bettye Naomi Goldstein was born to a Jewish family in Peoria, Illinois.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Birth ✓
Graduated from Smith College
1942

Friedan graduated summa cum laude from Smith College with a degree in psychology.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Married Carl Friedan
1947

Friedan married theater producer Carl Friedan, with whom she had three children.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Published The Feminine Mystique
19 February 1963

Friedan's landmark book challenged the idea that women found fulfillment solely in homemaking.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Co-founded the National Organization for Women
30 June 1966

Friedan helped found NOW and became its first president.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Organized the Women's Strike for Equality
26 August 1970

Friedan led the nationwide strike marking the fiftieth anniversary of women's suffrage.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Co-founded the National Women's Political Caucus
1971

Friedan helped establish the caucus to increase women's participation in politics.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Published The Second Stage
1981

Friedan's later book examined the next phase of the women's movement and family life.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Died in Washington, D.C.
4 February 2006

Friedan died of congestive heart failure on her 85th birthday.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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