{"id":4736,"date":"2025-03-28T10:40:49","date_gmt":"2025-03-28T10:40:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/xeroltha.com\/?p=4736"},"modified":"2025-12-10T13:17:35","modified_gmt":"2025-12-10T13:17:35","slug":"ameenah-gurib-fakim-scientist-diplomat-and-first-female-president-of-mauritius","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/xeroltha.com\/blog\/ameenah-gurib-fakim-scientist-diplomat-and-first-female-president-of-mauritius\/","title":{"rendered":"Ameenah Gurib-Fakim: Scientist, Diplomat, and First Female President of Mauritius"},"content":{"rendered":"<p data-path-to-node=\"1\"><b><span class=\"citation-231\">Dr. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim<\/span><\/b><span class=\"citation-231\"> is a Mauritian scientist, organic chemist, and biodiversity researcher who served as the <\/span><b><span class=\"citation-231\">sixth President of the Republic of Mauritius<\/span><\/b><span class=\"citation-231 citation-end-231\"> from June 2015 to March 2018.<\/span> <span class=\"citation-230\">Her political appointment was a historic moment, as she was the <\/span><b><span class=\"citation-230\">first woman<\/span><\/b><span class=\"citation-230 citation-end-230\"> to hold the largely ceremonial post in the nation&#8217;s history.<\/span> <span class=\"citation-229 citation-end-229\">She is internationally renowned for her academic career and her work in promoting science and sustainable development in Africa.<\/span><\/p><div class=\"03bb5c02e2f58c6bb7f372bc13011e34\" data-index=\"1\" style=\"float: none; margin:10px 0 10px 0; text-align:center;\">\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size:10px;\">Advertisement<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-8677361123316975\"\r\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script>\r\n<!-- ZXZ -->\r\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\r\n     style=\"display:block\"\r\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-8677361123316975\"\r\n     data-ad-slot=\"3054782407\"\r\n     data-ad-format=\"auto\"\r\n     data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\r\n<script>\r\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\r\n<\/script>\r\n<br><br \/>\n<\/div>\n\n<hr data-path-to-node=\"2\" \/>\n<h3 data-path-to-node=\"3\">Key Biographical Information<\/h3>\n<table data-path-to-node=\"4\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Detail<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>Information<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><span data-path-to-node=\"4,1,0,0\"><b>Full Name<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<td><span data-path-to-node=\"4,1,1,0\">Bibi Ameenah Firdaus Gurib-Fakim<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span data-path-to-node=\"4,2,0,0\"><b>Born<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<td><span data-path-to-node=\"4,2,1,0\">October 17, 1959, Surinam, British Mauritius<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span data-path-to-node=\"4,3,0,0\"><b>Spouse<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<td><span data-path-to-node=\"4,3,1,0\">Anwar Fakim (married 1988)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span data-path-to-node=\"4,4,0,0\"><b>Political Party<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<td><span data-path-to-node=\"4,4,1,0\">Independent<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span data-path-to-node=\"4,5,0,0\"><b>Education<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<td><span data-path-to-node=\"4,5,1,0\">Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, University of Exeter (UK)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span data-path-to-node=\"4,6,0,0\"><b>Presidential Term<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<td><span data-path-to-node=\"4,6,1,0\">June 5, 2015 \u2013 March 23, 2018<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span data-path-to-node=\"4,7,0,0\"><b>Key Scientific Field<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<td><span data-path-to-node=\"4,7,1,0\">Ethnobotany, Organic Chemistry<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span data-path-to-node=\"4,8,0,0\"><b>Key Award<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<td><span data-path-to-node=\"4,8,1,0\">L&#8217;Or\u00e9al-UNESCO Prize for Women in Science (2007)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<hr data-path-to-node=\"5\" \/>\n<h3 data-path-to-node=\"6\">Distinguished Scientific Career<\/h3>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"7\"><span class=\"citation-228 citation-end-228\">Ameenah Gurib-Fakim&#8217;s rise to the presidency was preceded by a distinguished academic and entrepreneurial career focused on science and biodiversity.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul data-path-to-node=\"8\">\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"8,0,0\"><b>Academic Background:<\/b><span class=\"citation-227\"> She earned a BSc in Chemistry from the <\/span><b><span class=\"citation-227\">University of Surrey<\/span><\/b><span class=\"citation-227\"> (1983) and a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from the <\/span><b><span class=\"citation-227\">University of Exeter<\/span><\/b><span class=\"citation-227 citation-end-227\"> (1987) in the United Kingdom.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"8,1,0\"><b><span class=\"citation-226\">Focus on Endemic Plants:<\/span><\/b><span class=\"citation-226\"> Returning to Mauritius, she became a lecturer at the <\/span><b><span class=\"citation-226\">University of Mauritius<\/span><\/b><span class=\"citation-226\"> in 1987, eventually rising to become the first female <\/span><b><span class=\"citation-226\">Professor of Organic Chemistry<\/span><\/b><span class=\"citation-226 citation-end-226\"> and later the Dean of the Faculty of Science and Pro-Vice Chancellor.<\/span> <span class=\"citation-225\">Her research focused on the <\/span><b><span class=\"citation-225\">ethnobotany<\/span><\/b><span class=\"citation-225 citation-end-225\"> of the unique aromatic and medicinal plants of Mauritius and Rodrigues, isolating and studying the chemical compounds of endemic flora for potential pharmaceutical and nutritional applications.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"8,2,0\"><b>Publications:<\/b><span class=\"citation-224\"> She has authored or co-edited over 28 books and numerous scientific articles, notably co-authoring the <\/span><b><span class=\"citation-224\">first African Herbal Pharmacopoeia<\/span><\/b><span class=\"citation-224 citation-end-224\"> (2008), which standardizes traditional African medicinal plants.<\/span><\/p><div class=\"03bb5c02e2f58c6bb7f372bc13011e34\" data-index=\"1\" style=\"float: none; margin:10px 0 10px 0; text-align:center;\">\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size:10px;\">Advertisement<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-8677361123316975\"\r\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script>\r\n<!-- ZXZ -->\r\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\r\n     style=\"display:block\"\r\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-8677361123316975\"\r\n     data-ad-slot=\"3054782407\"\r\n     data-ad-format=\"auto\"\r\n     data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\r\n<script>\r\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\r\n<\/script>\r\n<br><br \/>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"8,3,0\"><b><span class=\"citation-223\">International Recognition:<\/span><\/b><span class=\"citation-223\"> Her contributions earned her global accolades, including the prestigious <\/span><b><span class=\"citation-223\">L&#8217;Or\u00e9al-UNESCO Prize for Women in Science<\/span><\/b><span class=\"citation-223 citation-end-223\"> in 2007.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"source-inline-chip-container ng-star-inserted\"><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr data-path-to-node=\"9\" \/>\n<h3 data-path-to-node=\"10\">Presidency and Political Role (2015\u20132018)<\/h3>\n<ul data-path-to-node=\"11\">\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"11,0,0\"><b>Historic Appointment:<\/b><span class=\"citation-222\"> In June 2015, following the resignation of the previous incumbent, Ameenah Gurib-Fakim was unanimously approved by the National Assembly and sworn in as the <\/span><b><span class=\"citation-222\">first female President of Mauritius<\/span><\/b><span class=\"citation-222 citation-end-222\">.<\/span>\u00a0<span class=\"citation-221\">The role of the President in Mauritius is largely <\/span><b><span class=\"citation-221\">ceremonial and non-executive<\/span><\/b><span class=\"citation-221 citation-end-221\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"11,1,0\"><b>Champion of Science and Sustainability:<\/b><span class=\"citation-220\"> Throughout her presidency, she used her position to champion her core beliefs, advocating tirelessly for <\/span><b><span class=\"citation-220\">sustainable development, science, technology, and innovation (STI)<\/span><\/b><span class=\"citation-220 citation-end-220\"> across Africa, arguing they are essential tools for economic growth and climate change resilience.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"11,2,0\"><b>Global Profile:<\/b><span class=\"citation-219\"> She was frequently listed among Forbes&#8217; <\/span><b><span class=\"citation-219\">&#8220;100 Most Powerful Women in the World&#8221;<\/span><\/b><span class=\"citation-219 citation-end-219\"> during her tenure, using her international profile to promote the interests of small island developing states (SIDS).<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"source-inline-chip-container ng-star-inserted\"><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr data-path-to-node=\"12\" \/>\n<h3 data-path-to-node=\"13\">Controversy and Resignation<\/h3>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"14\"><span class=\"citation-218 citation-end-218\">Gurib-Fakim&#8217;s term ended prematurely amid a financial controversy.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul data-path-to-node=\"15\">\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"15,0,0\"><b><span class=\"citation-217\">The Credit Card Scandal:<\/span><\/b><span class=\"citation-217\"> In early 2018, allegations surfaced that she had used a credit card issued by the <\/span><b><span class=\"citation-217\">Planet Earth Institute (PEI)<\/span><\/b><span class=\"citation-217 citation-end-217\">, an NGO she was involved with, for personal expenses (reportedly about $27,000).\u00a0<\/span>S<span class=\"citation-216\">he claimed that the use was <\/span><b><span class=\"citation-216\">accidental<\/span><\/b><span class=\"citation-216 citation-end-216\">, stating she had inadvertently confused the PEI card with a personal bank card from the same bank, and confirmed she had since reimbursed the NGO for the full amount, plus other expenses.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"15,1,0\"><b>Clash with Prime Minister:<\/b><span class=\"citation-215 citation-end-215\"> Despite her reimbursement, the scandal led to a political clash with Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth, who called for her resignation.<\/span>\u00a0<span class=\"citation-214\">Facing the threat of an impeachment inquiry, Gurib-Fakim eventually submitted her resignation, effective <\/span><b><span class=\"citation-214\">March 23, 2018<\/span><\/b><span class=\"citation-214 citation-end-214\">, stating she was doing so in the supreme interest of the country.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"source-inline-chip-container ng-star-inserted\"><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr data-path-to-node=\"16\" \/>\n<h3 data-path-to-node=\"17\">Post-Presidency Legacy<\/h3>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"18\">Since leaving office, Dr. Gurib-Fakim has continued her work as a global advocate for science diplomacy, education, and women&#8217;s leadership. <span class=\"citation-213 citation-end-213\">Despite the controversial end to her political term, she is celebrated for her distinguished contributions to African science and for breaking the highest political glass ceiling in Mauritius.<\/span><\/p>\n\n<div style=\"font-size: 0px; height: 0px; line-height: 0px; margin: 0; padding: 0; clear: both;\"><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Dr. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim is a Mauritian scientist, organic chemist, and biodiversity researcher who served as the sixth President of the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"default","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[109],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4736","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-offbeat"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/xeroltha.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4736","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/xeroltha.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/xeroltha.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/xeroltha.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/xeroltha.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4736"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/xeroltha.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4736\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4737,"href":"https:\/\/xeroltha.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4736\/revisions\/4737"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/xeroltha.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4736"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/xeroltha.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4736"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/xeroltha.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4736"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}