Women and Freemasonry: A Complete Guide
Can women become Freemasons? Explore the history of women in Freemasonry, the Order of the Eastern Star, co-Masonic lodges, and the evolving relationship between women and the Craft.
One of the most frequently asked questions about Freemasonry is whether women can join. The short answer is: it depends on what you mean by "Freemasonry." The longer answer reveals a fascinating and evolving story about gender, tradition, and the nature of fraternal organizations.
Traditional (Regular) Freemasonry
Mainstream or "regular" Freemasonry — as governed by recognized Grand Lodges like the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) and the state Grand Lodges in the United States — is exclusively male. This has been the case since the formation of the first Grand Lodge in 1717.
The landmark requirement that members be "free men of good character" is considered one of the inviolable "landmarks" of the Craft. Grand Lodges that admit women are not recognized by UGLE and most other regular Grand Lodges.
The Order of the Eastern Star
The most prominent Masonic-affiliated organization for women is the Order of the Eastern Star (OES), founded in 1850 by Rob Morris, a lawyer and prominent Freemason. The OES is open to:
- Master Masons in good standing
- Wives, daughters, mothers, widows, and sisters of Master Masons
- Women who have a Masonic affiliation through male relatives
The OES has its own degree system based on five Biblical heroines: Adah (Blue/Jephthah's Daughter), Ruth (Yellow), Esther (White), Martha (Green), and Electa (Red). With over 500,000 members, the OES is the largest fraternal organization in the world open to both men and women.
Co-Masonry (Le Droit Humain)
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In 1893, the International Order of Freemasonry Le Droit Humain was founded in Paris, admitting both men and women on equal terms. Today, Le Droit Humain operates in more than 60 countries and works the same degrees as regular Freemasonry. However, it is not recognized by mainstream Grand Lodges.
Women's Grand Lodges
Several countries have women-only Grand Lodges:
- **The Honourable Fraternity of Ancient Freemasons** (UK, founded 1913)
- **The Order of Women Freemasons** (UK, founded 1908)
- **La Grande Loge Féminine de France** (France, founded 1945)
These organizations perform the same rituals and degrees as regular Freemasonry but are composed entirely of women. In 1999, UGLE took the significant step of recognizing women's Freemasonry as "regular in practice" though not extending mutual visitation rights.
Other Masonic-Affiliated Organizations for Women
- **Job's Daughters International**: For young women ages 10–20 who have a Masonic affiliation.
- **International Order of the Rainbow for Girls**: Open to girls ages 11–20 with or without Masonic connection.
- **Daughters of the Nile**: The women's auxiliary of Shriners International, focused on supporting Shriners Hospitals.
- **The Amaranth**: A co-ed Masonic organization with its own degree system.
The Evolving Conversation
The question of women in Freemasonry remains one of the most actively debated topics in the Masonic world. Proponents of the traditional male-only model argue that the single-gender environment creates a unique space for male bonding and personal development. Advocates for inclusion point out that the Craft's core values of equality and universal brotherhood should logically extend to all people.
Regardless of where one stands on this debate, it is clear that women have always been connected to Freemasonry — as relatives, supporters, and increasingly as members of their own Masonic organizations. The future may hold further evolution, as it always has for this ancient and adaptable fraternity.
