An Introspective View on Masonic Gender Perceptions
My husband and I are both Freemasons and we have had the pleasure of meeting a number of masons from various lodges. Some constitutions recognise the fact that women can be Freemasons, while others don’t. While I have no desire to change traditions or constitutional rules, there are some observations that I would like to share with our male brethren who raise their eyebrows into a Cartesian arch at the mere mention of a ladies lodge.
Freemasonry is a lifestyle willingly accepted and celebrated by millions of brethren worldwide and the reasons for becoming a mason vary from person to person. Whatever those reasons may be, Freemasonry among its many mysteries and revelations, is very clear on the fundamentals of our behaviour towards one another, not only with our friends and connections, but in particular towards fellow brethren.
I was raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason only a short while ago, and while I am obviously still considered a ‘newbie’ in our fraternity, I am a keen observer of people and a very passionate learner. Over the past three years I have enjoyed the craft thoroughly, and as a woman freemason, have come across many people, whom have all expressed immense surprise at the possibility of a woman being able to join Freemasonry. It is usually met with a lot of questions and I embrace the opportunity of educating and informing people as much as is allowed. Yet, there is nothing more wonderful than when a male Freemason expresses interest and enthusiasm towards you as a woman freemason, and more importantly, when you know you are being treated respectfully as an equal.
It is no secret that the woman’s role has changed phenomenally in the past 100 years. In most countries, a woman’s vote is considered equal to that of a man’s, although it must be acknowledged that there are still millions of women worldwide to whom this basic right is eluded. Some women have gone down as some of history’s most extra-ordinary human beings and have excelled, on all levels of society, whether it be the sciences, politics, technology, the arts or philanthropy. If you need proof, think of Joan of Arc, Curie, Thatcher, Mother Theresa, Chanel, Winfrey, Queen Elizabeth I to name but a few.
But becoming world renown is not the only changes we’re seeing. The common household struggles to survive without a dual income these days. Financial debt and responsibilities between man and wife are equally shared, as are chores, raising children, religious beliefs, business acumen and even gym programs are as demanding on women as they are on men. These are the times, and they have certainly shifted from the poster wife of the fifties, and instead, turned into somewhat of a super heroine.
I consider myself a fiercely independent woman, but I should be clear that I’m not a cut-throat for “Woman’s Lib” and I certainly don’t believe that women can do anything a man can do (that’s physically just not possible for most women). Likewise, there are many tasks exclusively suited to women – such as giving birth. However, it cannot be denied, that emphasis on equality between men and women has been in constant evolution and it is now accepted by society in general that women are accountable for their own actions, thoughts and deeds. There is no more division between men and women with this regard. Suffice it to say that I am astounded to find that, there are male brethren yet, who consider a woman’s passionate dedication to the craft as inferior.
Therefore, let us recap briefly on the key principles of masonry in today’s society, as we are not operative masons, but rather free and accepted or speculative, we focus on the following:
- Charity
- Ethics, honesty and integrity
- Pursuit of knowledge and understanding
- Responsibility and discipline
- Fellowship
Why is it then that in everyday life, it is universally expected of women by men to conform to these very high standards as a norm in their personal lives, yet it is frowned upon when they do so in an organised forum?
As a ladies lodge, we pride ourselves on our charitable work and the difference we make in our chosen charities. We further subscribe by our very nature, to the highest standards of ethical and integral behaviour as a natural extension of our femininity.
In a society as widely extended as we live in today, the contributions of females in academic pursuit for the better understanding of nature and sciences cannot be denied. As females, it has become as important to us as our male counterparts to enrich our own lives through study and understanding, and thereby contributing to our own growth as humans as well as society as a whole.
The difference between nature and nurture has been a subject of discussion and study for a very long time. Responsibility and discipline are core concepts which women confer on children, both by teaching and by example. Women have a natural ability to extend these characteristics into their Masonic journey.
Traditionally, not a single man would’ve raised an eyebrow about his lady joining a book club, for it was clearly understood that females, just like males, have a basic need to socialise within their gender. Amazingly, the fact that the focus has shifted away from the discussion of the latest romantic novels to a subject of considerable more substance is somehow not welcomed with the same acceptance.
I would like to extend my gratitude to the brethren (male and female) who have welcomed me into masonry and treat me as an equal, with respect and dignity, and I extend an invitation to all those that frown upon women masons, to give thought as to why you do so?
Article by: Bro. Voermans
