Annual Meeting 2025
Join us in Newport, October 3rd to 5th, 2025. Board elections, social events, and a focus on one of our core issues: violence against women.
On International Women’s Day, NOW Celebrates the Courage, Commitment and Accomplishments of Feminists Around the World
Statement by NOW President Toni Van Pelt: WASHINGTON – We observe International Women’s Day on March 8, paying tribute to women’s achievements and the ongoing campaign for equality. Although women of the world may be separated by language, geography, and culture, we are united in activism and energy. NOW celebrates the women who are making
Shannon Goessling Unqualified to Head the Office of Violence Against Women
Statement by NOW President Toni Van Pelt: WASHINGTON – The National Organization for Women (NOW) strongly opposes the nomination of Shannon Goessling, who is unqualified to head the Office of Violence Against Women (OVW) in the Department of Justice (DOJ). If confirmed, Goessling would bring detrimental – and even dangerous – views on domestic violence
The EMPOWER Act Will End The Culture of Silence Around Sexual Harassment
Statement by NOW President Toni Van Pelt: WASHINGTON – Every workplace should be safe from sexual harassment and abuse—but for too long, Congress has failed to protect the rights of employees to report this behavior without fear of retribution. That’s about to change. The Ending the Monopoly of Power Over Workplace harassment through Education
The Trump Administration Is Complicit – We Must Speak Up For Migrant Children Who Have Been Sexually Abused
WASHINGTON – The National Organization for Women (NOW) strongly condemns the Trump administration for their inhumane immigration and detention policies that have allowed thousands of migrant children to suffer from sexual abuse. Detaining children and separating them from their families is already traumatic enough, but the extent of these numerous sexual abuse allegations is terrifying,
Donald Trump’s Abortion “Gag Rule” Won’t Silence Us
Statement by NOW President Toni Van Pelt: WASHINGTON – Donald Trump hates free speech – particularly when it comes to women’s health – and his administration has issued its long-awaited rule that bars groups that provide abortion care or abortion referrals from receiving federal family planning funds. Defunding providers and denying girls and women access
Justice Delayed But Not Denied – the ERA WILL Be Ratified by Virginia in 2020
Statement by NOW President Toni Van Pelt: WASHINGTON – Today, Virginia Republicans are on the wrong side of history, demonstrating a refusal to stand up for equality for women. The Virginia House of Delegates refused to allow a vote by the full House which killed the decades’ long effort in Virginia to ratify the Equal
Indict R. Kelly For Sexual Assault
Statement by NOW President Toni Van Pelt WASHINGTON – The truth is finally catching up to R. Kelly, whose music career has become a criminal enterprise centered around the exploitation and abuse of young black girls. He must be brought to justice, now. After the Lifetime documentary Surviving R. Kelly detailed the singer’s decades-long pattern of sexual abuse,
Why We Celebrate Susan B. Anthony On President’s Day
Statement by NOW President Toni Van Pelt: WASHINGTON – The National Organization for Women (NOW) has traditionally celebrated Susan B. Anthony’s birthday (February 15, 1820) instead of President’s Day in honor of this advocate of equal rights – including women’s right to vote. Anthony, who was actually arrested for attempting to vote, would be thrilled
Pope Francis Must Act Now – Reform on Sexual Abuse is Long Overdue
Statement by NOW President Toni Van Pelt: WASHINGTON – For years, the Catholic Church hierarchy has proven it has no moral authority on issues concerning women. This week, Pope Francis publicly acknowledged for the first time a chronic history of sexual abuse by priests and bishops of nuns, who had been forced to have abortions or give
Justin Fairfax Must Resign – NOW Believes Survivors
Statement by NOW President Toni Van Pelt: WASHINGTON – The National Organization for Women (NOW) calls on Justin Fairfax to remove himself from the line of succession by resigning his office. Dr. Vanessa Tyson has made the brave decision to come forward and reveal in her own words what happened between her and Virginia Lt. Gov.