Aware that "Freedom, Equality, Fraternity, Tolerance and Love of Humanity" are the cornerstones of every open society that is oriented towards the well-being of mankind, and that realizing them is an aspiration of every Masonic work, the Masonic Lodges founded in this “International Grand Lodge LIBERTAS for Women and Men" have joined forces.
Consistently, in the 21st century, it is hardly conceivable that differences should be made in the name of equality. With this in mind it is a fact that differences occur in the area of mutual "recognition" of forms of Lodges, unfortunately even today – and for how much longer?
The Frenchwoman Maria Deraismes was initiated on January 14, 1882 into the Masonic Lodge "Les Libres Penseurs" as the first woman. Notably, she attached great importance to communal Freemasonry. Unfortunately, after fierce protests this led to the closure of the Lodge. It took more than 10 years until Maria Deraimes was able to found the first Masonic Grand Lodge for women and men "DROIT HUMAIN" in 1893.
Of course, in the 17th century, women were still considered predominantly nonself-determining people with significantly fewer rights and prestige in society than were held by men. They were second-class and "subject to the man", i.e. they had few possible educational opportunities and were bound to home and family.
So where should the basis come from in order to be able to belong to a Lodge as an equal? At that time, many Lodges were also meeting places for the local dignitaries and were often only then open to men interested in deeper insights. But much was brewing underground and many women gained respect through painstakingly acquired education and entry into professional areas, and thus were able to acquire their own voice. They say "women and men are different", which is quite justified and by no means contradictory. But that is why we are inextricably linked to each other in order to develop and shape this world and to realize ethical and moral values – just like yin and yang. This applies in our Lodges, both in everyday profane life and in Masonic gatherings, and in the interesting exchange of our opinions and insights.
Today, many Freemasons have altered their perceptions and a great deal of tolerance has developed. Since Masonic Lodges now exist that are purely masculine, purely feminine and also of mixed gender, everyone may choose the form that suits him or her. To this we are committed.
Sr. Sigrid Drucklieb (MvSt. „Brücke zum Licht“ i. O. Hamburg)