You might be surprised to know that behind many great Shriners stands a great lady. Although Shriners International is most commonly known as a men’s organization, ladies’ Shrine-affiliated groups have existed since the early 1900s. Like their male counterparts, these ladies are dedicated to helping those in need and having fun.
Women who are related to a Shriner either by birth, marriage or adoption are eligible to join The Ladies’ Oriental Shrine of North America (LOSNA) and Daughters of the Nile. The Shrine Guilds of America members are wives or widows of Shriners.
Daughters of the Nile
Daughters of the Nile was founded in 1913 and is open to ladies related by birth or marriage to a Shriner, Mason, Master Mason or Daughter of the Nile. With 32,000 members in 144 cities across the country, the Daughters of the Nile are devoted to supporting Shriners Hospitals for Children® through a variety of fundraising activities. In fact, this dynamic group of women has donated more than $45 million dollars to the hospitals. Volunteers also sew quilts, dolls, surgery gowns and more for patients in the hospitals.
Daughters of the Nile wear a distinctive tiara for special events and ceremonies.
Click here to visit the Daughters of the Nile, Dorcas Temple No. 129 website.
L.O.S.N.A.
The Ladies Oriental Shrine of North America, also known as LOSNA, are bound by their goal to promote sociability, good fellowship and the betterment of all ladies connected with the organization. The Ladies actively support Shriners Hospitals for Children® through a variety of fundraising activities, as well as by providing handmade quilts and surgery gowns, toys, games and books for patients. Ladies also participate in parades and Shrine circuses.
Like the Shriners, the LOSNA wear a fez. Theirs is white with a red tassel and is worn for special events and ceremonies. Ladies also may join special units with their Court, or chapter, including bands, patrols, clowns or dance units.
Founded in West Virginia in 1903, LOSNA has more than 16,000 members across the United States and donates more than $500,000 to Shriners Hospitals for Children each year.
Click here to visit the Ladies Oriental Shrine, Jobel Court No. 11 website.
Shrine Guilds of America
Shrine Guilds of America provides independent support and aid to Shriners Hospitals for Children® and concentrates on the education of children during their stay at Shiners Hospitals for Children. Organized in 1947, there are approximately 14 guilds today, mostly in Florida and Indiana. Members are wives or widows of Shiners. The leader of the Imperial Council of Shrine Guilds of America is called the Imperial Maharanee.