Does the word "hero" refers to both male and female? Or should I call a female hero a "heroine"?

Rebecca

Hero generally refers to a male, however the usage of this term is not very strict and it is sometimes used to refer to women as well. Heroine is used to describe a female hero (but never a male). Ex: The hero of the movie is very dashing and brave. Ex: Wonder Woman is one of the few action movies with a female heroine.