SOCIETY. Le Droit Humain Opens a Discussion in Fort-de-France and Offers a Different Perspective on Freemasonry

The International Mixed Masonic Order Le Droit Humain is organizing a public lecture on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at 7:00 p.m., at the Temple of the Grand Orient de France in Morne Tartenson. This event is open to everyone and marks the visit to Martinique of Michel Meley, Most Powerful Grand Commander, and Maurice Leduc, National Grand Master of the French Federation.

Social tensions, insecurity, the future of young people, an aging population, economic changes, and the search for meaning: today’s Martinique is facing social, environmental, and human challenges that call for taking a step back. It is in this spirit that Le Droit Humain has chosen to open its doors to the general public for a conference designed as a space for dialogue rather than a mere institutional presentation.

Going Beyond Common Assumptions

Often shrouded in mystery, Freemasonry arouses both curiosity and questions. Through this event, Le Droit Humain aims to shed light on a Masonic order founded on a central principle: absolute equality between women and men. This unique feature sets this order apart as the world’s first co-ed Masonic order.

«Everyone, by changing themselves, changes the world.»

A mixed-gender organization with a presence in more than 50 countries

Founded in 1893, Le Droit Humain has developed an initiatory and philosophical approach structured around four pillars: freedom of conscience, secularism, tolerance, and fraternity. Far from any dogmatic stance, the order is part of a process of collective reflection aimed at better understanding developments in the contemporary world by bringing together diverse perspectives and experiences on an international scale.

A story from Martinique that began in 1929

The local presence of Le Droit Humain dates back to 1929, with the founding of the lodge Women's Emancipation. A legacy that roots the order in a long history of emancipation and social transformation in Martinique. Even today, its lodges continue to address concrete issues that resonate strongly with current events in the region: social divides, unemployment and human dignity, the role of young people, problems related to drug trafficking, an aging population, water management, food security, and evolving development models.

The world's first co-ed Masonic order, founded in 1893, has been active in Martinique since 1929.

Two National Figures in Martinique

The conference is being held to mark the visit to Martinique of two prominent figures from the French Federation of Droit Humain: Michel Meley, Most Powerful Grand Commander, and Maurice Leduc, National Grand Master. Their presence offers a rare opportunity to discuss current issues facing Freemasonry and the role it can play in a changing society—one that is both local and open to the world.

A space for dialogue open to everyone

Beyond introducing an often-overlooked institution, the event is intended above all as a space for dialogue. It is open to anyone who wishes to understand, explore, and discuss major contemporary issues in an open and accessible setting. Being a Freemason in Le Droit Humain, its representatives emphasize, means embarking on a path of personal transformation to better understand the world and act with discernment within it.

In a world where reference points are shifting and societal expectations are evolving, the invitation extended by the Masonic Order remains simple: come see, listen, and understand. And perhaps, see things in a new light.