Women's Freemasonry

Women's Freemasonry has a long and proud history in the United Kingdom, offering women the same opportunities for fellowship, learning, and personal growth that have long been central to the masonic tradition. Two major organisations represent female Freemasons nationally — The Order of Women Freemasons (OWF) and The Honourable Fraternity of Ancient Freemasons (HFAF), also known as Freemasonry for Women.

The OWF, founded in 1908, is the oldest and largest body of its kind, welcoming women of all faiths who believe in a Supreme Being. The HFAF, established in 1913, shares the same principles, teaching moral and spiritual values through allegory and symbolism. Both organisations uphold the same standards, rituals, and traditions as their male counterparts, ensuring women have full access to the authentic masonic experience.

In South Wales, the connection between women's Freemasonry and the Universities Scheme plays an important role in opening pathways for younger members to discover the Craft. Through this link, university students and recent graduates — including women — can explore Freemasonry within a supportive academic and social context. The scheme helps bridge university life with lifelong membership, encouraging intellectual curiosity, leadership, and community involvement.

By highlighting the OWF and HFAF on this page, Freemasonry in South Wales recognises that women studying at local universities can join established and respected female-only masonic lodges, ensuring equal access to the same traditions, mentorship, and opportunities for growth that their male peers enjoy through the Universities Scheme.

Beyond ceremony, both the OWF and HFAF place a strong emphasis on charity, education, and fellowship. Women Freemasons contribute actively to charitable causes at local, national, and international levels, reflecting the masonic commitment to compassion and civic duty. For women in South Wales, joining one of these Grand Lodges means becoming part of a global network that celebrates equality, service, and tradition.