Origins and context
Women’s Freemasonry is part of a diverse European history. Since the end of the XIXth (19th) century, mixed and female experiments appeared in France, Belgium and the United Kingdom. They seek to reconcile emancipation, initiatory work and civic commitment. In Switzerland, the religious, federal and multilingual context creates a specific framework: coexistence of diverse Masonic traditions, influence from neighbouring countries. Cross-border exchanges are gradually fostering the idea of autonomous women’s Obediances.
History of the Women’s Grand Lodge of Switzerland
On the 26th of April 1964, the Grand Lodge of France brought Masonic light to Switzerland thanks to 11 Freemasons who created a women’s lodge in Geneva. A second lodge was opened in 1970 in Neuchatel.
In 1972 Swiss women Freemasons founded two Lodges independent from France, in Geneva and in Lausanne, then a third one in 1974 in Geneva again. These three Lodges created, in 1976, an Obedience which took the titl of Women’s Grand Lodge of Switzerland- Confederation of Lodges and Rites.
Two Lodges will be opened under the aegis of the Women’s Grand Lodge of France, in 1977 and 1981 and four under that of Women’s Grand Lodge of Switzerland in 1977(1), 1982(1) and 1983(2)
On June 16, 1985 four Lodges of the Women’s Grand Lodge of France became independent and temporarily formed the Helvetic Women’s Grand Lodge.
On June 29, 1985 the union of all the women’s lodges in the Swiss territory was created.
The Helvetic Women’s Grand Lodge, containing 4 Lodges and 100 Freemasons, and the Women’s Grand Lodge of Switzerland containing 7 Lodges and 130 Freemasons, unify to form a single Swiss Women’s Masonic Obedience:
WOMEN’S GRAND LODGE OF SWITZERLAND
We therefore totalled 230 Freemasons spread across French and German-speaking Swiss territory. Since then, Swiss Women’s Freemasonry has spread throughout the Swiss territory to include 17 Lodges and 360 members. Regular meetings bring together women Freemasons from all over the country, allowing each woman to enrich herself with the other’s culture.
On an international level, since 1987, the Women’s Grand Lodge of Switzerland has been part of the international Liaison Centre (CLIMAF) that brings together women’s obedience. Furthermore, she is recognised by all international Masonic obedience as a true non-dogmatic Masonic authority, and she participates in all international events and meetings.
