Liberté! Égalité! Fraternité!

Liberty, equality, brotherhood is France’s national motto. The origins lie in the French Revolution in Masonic lodges, which were exclusive to males only, as they were meeting grounds for Freemasons. This shows the inequality treatment of genders in the 19th century, as women were not allowed to participate in Masonic activities. Eventually, it was also through the same secret societies linked to the Free Masons which treated them unequally that women around the world have been able to become closer to receiving equal treatment under the law.

How did the women become involved in the Free Masons if they were always prohibited from participating in the first place? Click around the site to find out!