Adjointes

Adjointes is the plural feminine noun in French that designates female assistants or deputies who support a person in a position of authority. The masculine form is adjoint, and in many contexts a mixed-gender group is referred to as adjoints. The term comes from the verb adjoindre, meaning to join or attach, reflecting a role added to the duties of the principal office holder.

The word is primarily used to describe people rather than concepts. An adjointe accompanies and helps a supervisor, such as a mayor, director, manager, or executive, performing administrative, organizational, and communicative tasks. It is common in public administration, government offices, companies, and nonprofit organizations. The feminine singular name is adjointe, while the masculine singular is adjoint; plural forms include adjointes (feminine) and adjoints (masculine).

Typical duties of an adjointe include managing schedules, coordinating meetings, preparing documents, handling correspondence, liaising with internal departments and external partners, and representing the supervisor in meetings or events when appropriate. The role can also involve project support, priority setting, and contributing to decision-making processes, depending on the level of responsibility and the specific organization.

Titles often reflect the attached authority, such as adjointe au maire (assistant to the mayor) or directrice adjointe (female deputy director). The use of adjointes emphasizes gender in professional titles, and when the group comprises women only, adjointes is the standard form; for mixed or unspecified groups, adjoints or gender-inclusive formulations may be used.