U.S. women stride toward equality

Today the members of the Sarasota/ Manatee Chapter of The National Organization for Women will celebrate the 43rd anniversary of the founding of NOW. We will gather to celebrate the many advancements made by women in our area, our country, and around the world and also to recognize that our work is not yet finished.

NOW, the largest feminist organization in the United States, began in 1966 in Washington, D.C., when 28 people, recognizing the inequalities between women and men, formed the group to right the wrong. Among these pioneers were Betty Friedan and Sarasota resident and still local NOW member, Sonia Pressman Fuentes. We are grateful for the dedication and perseverance of our founders, who were determined to ensure that future generations of women and girls would have equal opportunities in all areas of life -- equal opportunity in employment, in education, and in legal and political matters. NOW has worked to increase awareness of violence against women, women and poverty, lesbian rights, the image of women, women's health and equality in the U.S. Constitution (Equal Rights Amendment).

While NOW has always been a multi-issue group, we are appreciative of local single-purpose groups such as Planned Parenthood, ALSO, SPARCC, HOPE and the Women's Resource Center, as well as groups who partner to work for equality and justice. Together we can make a difference by creating a society in which the worth of all is valued, an accomplishment we could all celebrate.

Meigs Glidewell, President

Sarasota/Manatee Chapter, NOW

Sarasota