National Organization for Women turns 40 [audio 10min]

The National Organization for Women (NOW) held its first meeting in the fall of 1966, when the world was a very different place. The organization began in Washington, D.C. Delegates to a conference of state commissions on the status of women hit a roadblock when they tried to push the government to enforce discrimination laws. As grassroots chapters took hold, national leaders -- many of them academics, journalists and members of the clergy -- started pressing for equal opportunities for women. NOW worked to pass the Equal Rights Amendment to the constitution. Congress passed the amendment, but it failed to win ratification in the 38 states needed. Over its 40-year history, NOW took up other issues including lesbian rights, domestic violence, educational disparities, abortion rights and poverty. The gains women have made since NOW was formed are a testament to its achievements. But the sense that women today have the kind of opportunities that NOW fought for has also meant that the organization doesn't have the sense of urgency, or influence, it once did. Report by Debbie Elliott.