Victoria's first female governor has been sworn in, and given a pledge to continue her vital advocacy.

Governor Linda Dessau was sworn in as the state's 29th governor at a ceremony at Victoria's Government House, after years serving as a magistrate and Family Court judge.

While she is the first female to hold the role, she said she hopes such appointments will become less remarkable as more women assume public office.

Premier Daniel Andrews said the ceremony was a traditional way to celebrate a modern Victoria.

“I'm very proud to be part of this ceremony today for the obvious reason that it marks a really important step forward for our Victorian community - one that has taken perhaps too long but one that has come today,” he said.

“To the law, to arts and culture, to our love of sport, Linda Dessau has done so much to make our state modern, liveable, multicultural, edgy.”

He said Ms Dessau was one of the state’s most powerful voices on family violence issues.

“In taking action against family violence Linda Dessau was leading her profession in the 1990s, many years ago, bringing a much greater public awareness and public policy focus to this tragedy, this national emergency,” he said.

“Her leadership has undoubtedly helped perhaps save the lives of many.”

Ms Dessau said she was clearly distinguished as the first female Governor, but there was more that united her and her 28 predecessors than divided them.

“I doubt that any incoming governor has differed from me in the sense of humility he has felt at his appointment,” she said.

“The sense of commitment he has felt to Victoria and all Victorians, and the ambition he has held to contribute in any way possible to a stable, democratic and prosperous state and a united, peaceful, respectful and caring community.”