Ameenah Gurib-Fakim facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ameenah Gurib-Fakim
GCSK
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Gurib-Fakim in 2018
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| President of Mauritius | |
| In office 5 June 2015 – 23 March 2018 |
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| Prime Minister | Anerood Jugnauth Pravind Jugnauth |
| Vice President | Monique Ohsan Bellepeau Barlen Vyapoory |
| Preceded by | Monique Ohsan Bellepeau (acting) |
| Succeeded by | Barlen Vyapoory (acting) |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 17 October 1959 Surinam, British Mauritius |
| Political party | Independent |
| Spouse |
Anwar Fakim
(m. 1988) |
| Children | 2 |
| Parents | Hassenjee Gurib Firdaus Durgauhee |
| Residences |
(work), (2015–2018) |
| Alma mater | University of Surrey University of Exeter |
| Profession |
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Dr. Bibi Ameenah Firdaus Gurib-Fakim, born on 17 October 1959, is a scientist and politician from Mauritius. She served as the sixth President of Mauritius from 2015 to 2018. She was chosen as the presidential candidate in December 2014. After the previous president, Kailash Purryag, resigned, her nomination was fully supported by the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition. The National Assembly then approved her nomination.
Gurib-Fakim made history as the first woman to be elected president of Mauritius. She was also the third woman to hold the position of Head of State in the country. Before her, Queen Elizabeth II and Monique Ohsan Bellepeau had served in this role. Monique Ohsan Bellepeau was also her first Vice President.
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Early Life and School
Ameenah Gurib-Fakim was born in the village of Surinam on 17 October 1959. Her parents were Hassenjee Gurib and Firdaus Durgauhee. She grew up in Plaine Magnien and went to primary school there. Later, she attended Loreto Convent schools in Mahébourg and Quatre Bornes.
After finishing high school, she moved to England to study chemistry. In 1983, she earned her Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in chemistry from the University of Surrey. She then continued her studies and received her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in organic chemistry from Exeter University. In 1987, she returned to Mauritius and began working at the University of Mauritius.
Her Work and Presidency
Before becoming president, Dr. Gurib-Fakim worked as the Managing Director of CIDP Research & Innovation. This company focuses on research and new ideas. She was also a Professor of Organic Chemistry at the University of Mauritius starting in 2001. At the university, she held important roles like Dean of the Faculty of Science and Pro-Vice Chancellor from 2004 to 2010. She also managed research at the Mauritius Research Council from 1995 to 1997.
In 2015, she was nominated to be the President of Mauritius. The Mauritian National Assembly approved her nomination without any objections. She served as president until 2018, when she resigned. After her resignation, the office of president was empty until December 2019, when Prithvirajsing Roopun became president. During this time, Vice President Barlen Vyapoory acted as president.
Personal Life
In 1988, Ameenah Gurib-Fakim married Dr. Anwar Fakim, who is a surgeon. They have two children. Their son, Adam, was born in 1992 and studied at the University of Kent. Their daughter, Imaan, studied Computer Science.
Awards and Special Recognition
Dr. Gurib-Fakim has received many awards and honors for her work.
National Honors
- Mauritius:
- Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean (GCSK)
- Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean (CSK)
International Honors
- France: Member of the Order of Academic Palms, 3rd Class
- Castroan Royal Family of Two Sicilies: Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Order of Francis I
Awards and Recognition
She received the L'Oréal-UNESCO Award for Women in Science in 2007. She also won the African Union Award for Women in Science. In 2008, she was made Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean (CSK) for her contributions to education and science. The Government of France awarded her the Order of the 'Chevalier de l’Ordre des Palmes Academiques' in 2009.
When she became President, she was automatically given the highest civilian award, the Grand Commander of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean (GSCK). She was also listed among the 100 Reputable Africans by Reputation Polls International.
Other Awards
- African Union: African Union Award for 'Women in Science' (2009)
- African Union: Laureate for the CTA/NEPAD/AGRA/RUFORUM for 'African Women in Science' (2009)
- France: Honorary Degree of the Pierre and Marie Curie University
- Jordan: Fellow of the Jordanian Islamic Academy of Science
- Nigeria: Fellow of the African Institute of Science and Technology
- UNESCO: Laureate of the L'Oréal-UNESCO Award for Women in Science for Africa
- United Kingdom: Elected Fellow of the Linnean Society of London (2007)
- United Kingdom: In 2024, Ameenah Gurib-Fakim won the International Women of the Year Award at EPG's 16th Annual Political & Public Life Awards at the House of Commons.
See also
In Spanish: Ameenah Gurib-Fakim para niños
- President of Mauritius
- List of presidents of Mauritius
