<P> Though it is widely accepted that the movement lasted from the 1960s into the early 1980s , the exact years of the movement are more difficult to pinpoint and are often disputed . The movement is usually believed to have begun in 1963 , when `` Mother of the Movement '' Betty Friedan published The Feminine Mystique , and President John F. Kennedy 's Presidential Commission on the Status of Women released its report on gender inequality . The report revealed , that there was gender inequality , but also recommended changing it by giving paid maternity leave , greater access to education , and help with child care , along with Friedan 's book , which spoke to the discontent of many women ( especially housewives ) , led to the formation of many local , state , and federal government women 's groups as well as many independent feminist organizations . Friedan was referencing a `` movement '' as early as 1964 . </P>
who is credited with starting the second wave of the women 's rights movement in the united states
Betty Friedan