Who is often recognized as a key figure behind the National Organization for Women (NOW)?

The recognition of Betty Friedan as a key figure behind the National Organization for Women (NOW) is well-founded due to her pivotal role in the women's rights movement during the 1960s. Friedan is best known for her influential book, "The Feminine Mystique," published in 1963, which challenged the traditional roles of women in society and is often credited with sparking the second wave of feminism in the United States.

Friedan's advocacy for women's issues and her call for greater equality and opportunities for women in the workplace aligned perfectly with the mission of NOW, which she co-founded in 1966. The organization's primary goals included advocating for equal rights for women, combating discrimination, and addressing issues like reproductive rights and workplace equality. Friedan's leadership and vision helped to shape the agenda and strategies employed by NOW, making her a central figure in both the organization and the broader women's rights movement.

This connection underscores her impact on advancing gender equality in a time of significant social change.