Betty Friedan

Champion of Social Justice

Betty Goldstein Friedan

Betty Goldstein Friedan (1921- 2006) is considered the mother of Feminism, and her book, The Feminine Mystique (1963), one of the most important books ever composed. In it, Friedan advocates for the rights of women and aims to bring women “into the mainstream of American society now in fully equal partnership with men.” By 1966, Friedan had organized NOW – the National Organization for Women – and served as its first president. She fought tirelessly for equal rights – especially the ERA – the Equal Rights Amendment – which has yet to come to fruition.

Bettye Goldstein was born in Peoria in 1921, one year after the passage of the 19t Amendment granting women the right to vote. She was born to Jewish parents who had both fled Europe to escape the pogroms. In her small hometown Bettye learned about discrimination. Her father Harry operated Goldstein Jewelers and was a successful businessman yet, because of his religion, was not allowed membership into some local organizations.

A graduate of Peoria High School, Bettye continued her education at Smith College. At Smith, Betty was involved in literary endeavors, writing for the school newspaper and the school literary magazine – skills she obviously used well to launch a fight against another form of discrimination – discrimination against girls and women. Truly a woman ahead of her time, Betty Friedan initiated the “Women’s Movement,” and although Betty Friedan didn’t live to see an Equal Rights Amendment, her efforts set the stage and continue to influence.

William Hardin

Title Unknown

(Portrait of Betty Freidan)

Oil on canvas

Courtesy of Peoria

Public Library