Betty Friedan's career was profoundly shaped by the events of the 1960s, particularly the emergence of the women's rights movement. Her seminal book, *The Feminine Mystique*, published in 1963, challenged the traditional roles of women and sparked widespread dialogue about gender equality. The societal shifts towards feminism and activism in this decade inspired Friedan to advocate for women's rights more vigorously. Her involvement in the National Organization for Women (NOW) further solidified her role as a leading figure in the fight against gender discrimination and for equal opportunities for women in various fields.