For much of its popular history, Freemasonry has been portrayed as an exclusively male fraternity. That picture, however, does not tell the whole story. Women have been involved in organised forms of Freemasonry for more than a century, developing their own Lodges, Grand Lodges, traditions and charitable activities.

Today, women’s Freemasonry exists alongside male Freemasonry in several countries, while some organisations also practise forms of co-Masonry. Understanding this history provides a more complete picture of the development of modern Freemasonry.

When Did Women Become Involved in Freemasonry?

The history of women's involvement in Freemasonry extends further back than many people realise.

Women participated in forms of Masonic-style organisations in eighteenth-century France, including the Lodges of Adoption. These were associated with male Freemasonry but operated differently from the later women's Grand Lodges.

The development of modern women's Freemasonry took a more organised form in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

Maria Deraismes, a French social reformer, became an important figure in the history of women's involvement in Freemasonry. Her initiation into a mixed Masonic Lodge in 1882 contributed to the development of co-Masonry, in which men and women could participate.

The movement subsequently spread to Britain, where women's-only Masonic organisations eventually developed.

The Development of Women's Freemasonry in Britain

The history of women's Freemasonry in Britain is closely connected with two organisations: the Order of Women Freemasons and the Honourable Fraternity of Ancient Freemasons, commonly known as Freemasonry for Women.

The Honourable Fraternity of Ancient Freemasons was established in 1913. The Order of Women Freemasons developed from an earlier organisation and adopted its present name in 1958. Both organisations continue to operate today.

Women's Freemasonry developed its own institutions while maintaining many of the ceremonies, traditions and principles associated with the wider Masonic tradition.

The two organisations are independent of the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE), although UGLE describes its relationship with them as close and cooperative.

Are Women Freemasons Part of UGLE?

This is an important distinction.

UGLE itself admits men in England and Wales, while women are directed toward the two female-only Grand Lodges with which UGLE maintains a close relationship.

Therefore, it would be inaccurate to describe women as members of UGLE simply because they are Freemasons or because their organisations have a relationship with UGLE.

The Order of Women Freemasons and Freemasonry for Women have their own governance and membership structures.

Do Women Freemasons Follow Masonic Traditions?

Women's Masonic organisations maintain many traditions associated with Craft Freemasonry.

According to UGLE, the two leading women's Grand Lodges in England follow the same ceremonies and use similar regalia to male Freemasonry. They also participate in charitable and community activities.

The details of ceremonies and internal practices belong to the organisations themselves, but the broader themes include personal development, fellowship, moral reflection and service.

Women and Masonic Charity

Charitable service is an important part of many Masonic organisations, including women's Freemasonry.

Women's Lodges and Grand Lodges may support local communities, charitable organisations and causes that reflect their members' interests and resources.

This aspect of Freemasonry demonstrates that membership is not limited to ceremonies or meetings. Members can also contribute their time, skills and resources to wider society.

The specific charitable activities of a Lodge should, however, be considered individually rather than assuming that every Lodge supports the same causes.

Women in Freemasonry Today

Women's Freemasonry has continued to develop in the modern era.

In England, the two women's Grand Lodges have maintained their own structures while working with UGLE on matters of common interest. In 2024, UGLE, the Order of Women Freemasons and Freemasonry for Women established the Council for Freemasonry in England and Wales to strengthen cooperation and public engagement.

The development of this Council reflects a broader effort to improve understanding of the different branches of Freemasonry while respecting their separate governance.

Women, Freemasonry and Personal Development

For many women who become Freemasons, participation is about more than belonging to an organisation.

Masonic life can provide opportunities for public speaking, leadership, mentoring, education and developing relationships with people from different backgrounds.

Members may also take on responsibilities within their Lodges and eventually serve in senior positions.

The experience is not identical for everyone. Individual reasons for joining can include friendship, tradition, curiosity, personal development, charitable work and an interest in Masonic history.

Women's Freemasonry and Community

Community involvement is another important aspect of women's Freemasonry.

Lodges can provide a structure through which members organise charitable initiatives, support community causes and contribute their skills to projects outside the Lodge.

This reflects one of the broader themes found across many Masonic organisations: the idea that membership carries responsibilities beyond the meeting room.

Freemasonry can provide a framework for fellowship, but its values are ultimately reflected through how members conduct themselves and serve others.

Women in Freemasonry in Africa

The history and organisation of women's Freemasonry in Africa are more diverse than a single description can capture.

Different countries have different Masonic jurisdictions, organisations and historical backgrounds. Some may have links to British, French or other Masonic traditions, while others have developed within different institutional contexts.

For this reason, anyone researching women's Freemasonry in an African country should identify the specific Grand Lodge or organisation involved rather than assuming that structures found in England apply everywhere.

The development of women’s Freemasonry in Africa is also an area where local history and documented institutional sources are particularly important.

Common Questions About Women in Freemasonry

Can women become Freemasons?

Yes. Women have participated in organised Freemasonry for more than a century. In England, women can join female-only Masonic organisations such as the Order of Women Freemasons and Freemasonry for Women.

Are women's Lodges the same as men's Lodges?

They are separate organisations, but they share many Masonic traditions and ceremonies. The exact organisation and rules depend on the relevant jurisdiction.

Can men and women belong to the same Masonic Lodge?

This depends on the Masonic organisation and jurisdiction. Some forms of Freemasonry are single-sex, while co-Masonic organisations admit both men and women.

Is women's Freemasonry a recent development?

No. Organised women's Freemasonry has a history extending back more than 100 years, with important developments taking place in Europe during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

Does women's Freemasonry involve charity?

Charitable and community work is an important feature of many women's Masonic organisations, although individual projects vary between Lodges and jurisdictions.

A Broader Understanding of Freemasonry

The history of women in Freemasonry demonstrates that the Masonic world is more diverse than the traditional image of an exclusively male fraternity suggests.

Women have established their own organisations, preserved Masonic traditions, taken on leadership roles and participated in charitable and community activities for generations.

Understanding this history also requires recognising that Freemasonry is not governed by one worldwide authority. Different organisations and jurisdictions have developed their own structures while sharing elements of a broader Masonic tradition.

For anyone exploring Freemasonry in Kenya, Africa or elsewhere, learning about women's Freemasonry adds an important dimension to understanding the history, diversity and continuing development of the Masonic world.