Historic background

As early as 1725, France is hosting women's lodges, called "adoption Lodges". However, they lack any autonomy, as their existence is entirely dependent on the will of a men's lodge. Their members essentially belong to the aristocracy and devote themselves to charity. It is towards the end of the 19th century that the status of the woman starts getting recognition and it is in the wake of women's claims that a new obedience is set up in 1893, called the Grande Loge Symbolique Ecossaise Mixte de France, the Droit Humain. In 1899 it will become the Ordre Maçonnique International Le Droit Humain.

The history of purely feminine masonry starts in 1901 when the Grande Loge de France accepts the creation of an adoption lodge rooted on a Paris men's lodge. This lodge, and the following ones meet at regular intervals and debate the same sujects as the Brothers. In 1935, the Grande Loge de France considers granting them complete autonomy, which will be effective in 1945 under the title "Union Maçonnique Féminine de France". Seven years later, in 1952, the Union opts for a title of its own and becomes the Grande Loge Féminine de France. In 1959, it ceases using the Adoption Rite and works under the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite. From 1973 onwards, the sisters of that Obedience may also choose other rites : the French Rite as used in the Grand Orient de France, or the Restored French Rite.

Membership of the Grande Loge Féminine de France is increasing rapidly due to the women's desire to meet among themselves, to work together on their personal improvement and also on all major topics related to mankind. But the Obedience also wishes to initiate women outside the national borders. Thus, on 20 April 1974, it sets a first lodge up in Brussels, Belgium, followed by three more in Liège, Brussels and Charleroi. These four lodges become independent form their mother Obedience on 17 October 1981 and constitute the Grande Loge Féminine de Belgique (the Women's Grand Lodge of Belgium).