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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| 6th 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 | Plaine Magnien, Mauritius (hometown) |
| Alma mater | University of Surrey University of Exeter |
| Profession |
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Dr. Bibi Ameenah Firdaus Gurib-Fakim (born 17 October 1959) is a scientist and politician from Mauritius. She served as the sixth President of Mauritius from 2015 to 2018.
She was the first woman to be elected as president of her country. Before her, Queen Elizabeth II and Monique Ohsan Bellepeau also served as Head of State in Mauritius. Dr. Gurib-Fakim is known for her work as a biodiversity scientist. She studies the many different kinds of life on Earth.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Growing Up in Mauritius
Ameenah Gurib-Fakim was born in a village called Surinam on October 17, 1959. Her parents were Hassenjee Gurib and Firdaus Durgauhee. She grew up in Plaine Magnien.
She went to primary school in Saint-Patrice. Later, she studied at Mahébourg Loreto Convent. She finished her higher school studies at Loreto Convent Quatre Bornes.
University Studies in England
After finishing school in Mauritius, Ameenah traveled to England. She studied chemistry at the University of Surrey. In 1983, she earned her Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in chemistry.
She then continued her studies at Exeter University. There, she earned her PhD degree in organic chemistry. Organic chemistry is the study of chemicals that contain carbon. After finishing her studies in 1987, she returned to Mauritius. She began working at the University of Mauritius.
Career as a Scientist and Leader
Work in Research and Education
Dr. Gurib-Fakim worked as a Professor of Organic Chemistry at the University of Mauritius. She became a full professor in 2001. She also served as the Dean of the Faculty of Science. Later, she was the Pro–Vice Chancellor from 2004 to 2010.
She also worked at the Mauritius Research Council. From 1995 to 1997, she was the Manager for Research there. She also led the International Council for Scientific Union – Regional Office for Africa from 2011 to 2014.
Becoming President of Mauritius
In 2015, Dr. Gurib-Fakim was chosen to be the candidate for President of Mauritius. The Prime Minister at the time, Anerood Jugnauth, suggested her for the role. The National Assembly of Mauritius approved her nomination. Everyone voted for her.
She became the sixth President of Mauritius. She was the first woman to hold this important position. She served as president until 2018. After she resigned, the office of president was empty for a while. Barlen Vyapoory served as acting president during this time. In December 2019, Prithvirajsing Roopun became the new president.
Starting Her Own Science Center
Dr. Gurib-Fakim later left her job as a Professor at the University of Mauritius. She decided to open her own science center. This center is called CIDP Research & Innovation. She is the Managing Director there.
Personal Life
In 1988, Ameenah Gurib-Fakim married Dr. Anwar Fakim. He is a surgeon. They have two children together. Their son, Adam, was born in 1992. Their daughter, Imaan, studied Computer Science.
Honours and Awards
Dr. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim has received many awards and honours. These awards recognize her important work in science and her leadership.
National Honours
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)
Foreign Honours
France: Member of the Order of Academic Palms, 3rd Class (a national award from France)
Castroan Royal Family of Two Sicilies: Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Order of Francis I (a special family award)
Awards and Recognition
Dr. Gurib-Fakim has received several international awards. These include:
- The L'Oréal-UNESCO Award for Women in Science in 2007. This award celebrates women scientists.
- The African Union Award for Women in Science.
- She was also made Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean (CSK) in 2008. This was for her contributions to education and science.
- In 2009, she received the 'Chevalier de l’Ordre des Palmes Academiques' from the Government of France.
- When she became President, she automatically received the highest civilian award in Mauritius. This is the Grand Commander of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean (GSCK).
- Reputation Polls International listed her among the 100 Reputable Africans.
- In 2024, she won the International Women of the Year Award at EPG's 16th Annual Political & Public Life Awards. This event was held at the House of Commons in the UK.
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)
See Also
In Spanish: Ameenah Gurib-Fakim para niños
- President of Mauritius
- List of presidents of Mauritius
