May I ask what the appeal of freemasonry is in 2023?

I understand that it was historically useful for “business”, what ever that means and that some workplaces were closed shops and anyone who isn’t a free mason wouldn’t be accepted for a job role.

If someone could give me the low down, I think I would find it quite interesting.

I don’t see a reason why they shouldn’t, as AFAIK women can participate in rituals.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freemasonry_and_women

Section: Recognition of Women as Freemasons

In short, in some places women are accepted and in some they are not. As the Unified Grand Lodge of England does not recognise women as freemasons, women are not officially capable of reaching the 33rd degree. However, where women are recognized (i.e in Continental Freemasonry), women should be able to reach the 33rd degree.