France has abolished the "sexist" term Mademoiselle from all official documents because it suggests a woman is available.
Prime Minister François Fillon said the word, the equivalent of "miss", discriminates against women by asking them to reveal if they are married. He also banned "nom de jeune fille" (maiden name) because it is "archaic" and has "connotations of virginity".
The official decree was issued to ministries and regional authorities yesterday. From now on Mademoiselle should be replaced with Madame because it does not indicate marital status.
Feminist campaign groups Osez le Feminisme (Dare Feminism) and Les Chiennes de Garde (Guard Bitches) praised the move.
Dare Feminism spokeswoman Julie Muret said: "It is not flattering to tell a woman she's available, particularly in a professional context. It harks back to the term 'oiselle', which means 'virgin' or 'simpleton'."
