governanta

A governanta is a senior domestic worker in charge of the management and supervision of a household. The role is typically associated with larger homes and estates where there is a significant staff. The governanta oversees the daily operations of the house, ensuring cleanliness, order, and efficiency.

Key responsibilities often include managing other domestic staff such as maids, butlers, and cooks, assigning tasks, and monitoring their performance. They are responsible for maintaining the household's inventory, ordering supplies, and ensuring that the home is well-maintained and presentable. The governanta may also be involved in planning meals, arranging social events, and attending to the needs of the employer and their guests.

Historically, the position of governanta was often held by a woman of good social standing who had fallen on hard times, or by a woman with specialized skills in household management. The role demands a high degree of organization, discretion, and interpersonal skills. In modern times, the title and specific duties can vary greatly depending on the household, but the core function remains the supervision and management of domestic staff and the smooth running of the household. The term is particularly prevalent in European countries.