Gouverneure

Gouverneure is the feminine form of the French title gouverneur, used to designate a woman who holds the office of governor. In French-language contexts, it refers to female holders of executive authority in a territory, province, colony, or national office, as well as to officials who represent a sovereign or higher authority in a given jurisdiction.

In historical practice, female governors appeared in various empires and colonial administrations, and the feminine form of the title has been attested in archival documents, legal texts, and ceremonial use. In many Francophone countries today, the term is encountered in official titles and media coverage when women hold the role of governor or serve as the representative of the crown or state.

Contemporary usage in Francophone Canada is particularly prominent, with la Gouverneure générale du Canada serving as the queen's representative in Canada; the title is also used for provincial or territorial governors elsewhere in the francophone world. Notable examples of women who have held analogous offices include Michaëlle Jean and Julie Payette.

Etymology: The word derives from gouverneur, which comes from Old French gouverner and ultimately from Latin gubernator, meaning helmsman or guide. The feminine form gouverneure is standard in many modern French contexts, though some sources also use gouverneuse in non-standard uses.