There is still time to file a civil lawsuit under New York City's Gender-Motivated Violence Act (GMVA), but you must act before February 28, 2025, if the incident happened more than nine years ago.
We advance laws, promote women in politics, fight for reproductive justice, challenge discrimination and violence against women, and act NOW.
Reproductive Justice
Veteran’s Affairs Ends Anti-Gay IVF Policies
2024
On March 8, 2024, in response to NOW-NYC’s lawsuit, the Department of Defense issued a new policy removing marriage and gamete requirements that had excluded same-sex couples and unmarried service members from IVF coverage. On April 4, 2024, Veteran’s Affairs followed suit, implementing a similar updated policy for veterans.
Workplace Rights
New York Passes the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act
2023
Every pregnant worker deserves the opportunity to support their family without jeopardizing their health. Yet many, especially in low-wage or physically demanding jobs, face the unfair choice between their health and a paycheck. The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) ensures reasonable workplace accommodations to prevent pregnancy complications. This vital federal bill passed with bipartisan support!
Political Action
We Grabbed Trump By the Ballot and Won!
2020
Amid the pandemic, we quickly adapted our activism by launching online Activist Power Hours, educating voters on reproductive justice, economic inequality, racial justice, and civic engagement. We mobilized phone banking and voter outreach to support women’s rights candidates and help vote Trump out, paving the way for historic new leadership!
Ending Violence
New York Expands the Statute of Limitations on Rape
2019
Thirteen years after advocating to eliminate the statute of limitations for first-degree rape, we celebrated the extension of limitations for second- and third-degree rape, as well as second-degree criminal sexual acts. The statute of limitations is now 20 years for second-degree rape and 10 years for third-degree rape.
Changing Laws
New Law Ends Child Marriage in New York
2017
After a two-year campaign to raise awareness about child marriage in New York, we passed a law banning marriage for minors aged 14 to 16 and implemented protections to prevent 17-year-olds from being coerced or forced into marriage. This law finally ends the practice of adult men marrying underage girls in our state.
Resisting Trump
Women Resist and Make "Herstory"
2016
In the months after the consequential 2016 election, we mobilized a historic response and renewed our commitment to be a home for activism, women’s rights, and equality for all New Yorkers. We organized workshops on civic engagement, trained thousands of new activists, and brought 12 buses of NOW-NYC members to the inaugural Women’s March in Washington, D.C.
A Track Record of Success.
5,000
Doors Knocked
Together, we canvassed across the northeast to elect a new, blue wave of women’s rights candidates to office in 2018.
Over 15
Laws Passed
In the past decade, we’ve united members and allies to pass stronger laws that advance equality for NY women.
50+
Years in Action
For more than half a century, we have been raising the bar for what women and girls are able to achieve.