France bids 'adieu' to the term 'mademoiselle'
French women will no longer have to declare their marital status on official forms after the government demanded the term “mademoiselle” be dropped. Feminist groups have hailed the move as a victory in their battle against a “male-dominated” society.
French language learners might soon have to update their text books after the government signalled the beginning of the end for the term “mademoiselle”.
Under pressure from feminist groups the French government has decided that a women’s marital status should no longer matter when it comes to bureaucracy.
Up until now French women have been asked to identify themselves on administrative forms either as a married “madame”, or a “mademoiselle” - a term used for unmarried young women.
Having to make that choice is deemed sexist by many because men are always referred to as “monsieur”, whether they are married or not.
The Prime Minister’s office has now instructed authorities to only use the term “madame” in a move Solidarity Minister Roselyne Bachelot said would “end a form of discrimination”.
The shift has been hailed as an important victory by France’s feminist movement.
But… I was happy to be a mademoiselle
