To non-masons (and even to some masons) the term co-freemasonry is a conundrum. It is not self-explanatory.
Co-freemasonry is used, especially by our Order, to explain the fact that we offer ‘mixed’ masonry; that we admit both men and women who can work side by side as freemasons, in lodge, as opposed to being segregated – as they are in other obediences.
This is a key principle applied by the founders of our Order and enshrined in our Constitution. Article 1 states “The International Order of Co-Freemasonry, Le Droit Humain, affirms the equality of men and women. Through its title – Le Droit Humain – the Order proclaims its desire that men and women throughout the world be entitled in equal degree to benefit from social justice within a humanity organised in free and fraternal societies.”
Co-freemasonry is simply a more precise definition of the term “freemasonry” and is best understood as “freemasonry for men and women”.
