From Village Girl to President — Smart Enough to Lead. Brave Enough to Be First.
Meet Dr. Ameenah Gurib‑Fakim, the trailblazing First Female President of Mauritius (June 5, 2015–March 23, 2018).
A fearless biodiversity scientist turned leader, she flipped the script on who belongs in science and politics across Africa.
Background & Childhood
Born October 17, 1959, in the village of Surinam, Mauritius, to Hassenjee Gurib and Firdaus Durgauhee, Ameenah grew up in rural Plaine Magnien. Despite limited opportunities, her parents made sure she got an education back when girls were third in line.
After school at Loreto Convent, she pursued chemistry in the UK, earning a BSc from Surrey (1983) and a PhD in organic chemistry at Exeter (1987) . Back in Mauritius, she became the first female professor of Organic Chemistry, then Dean of Science, and Pro-Vice Chancellor at the University of Mauritius by 2004 .
Turning Plants Into Progress
In 2009, she founded CIDP Research & Innovation, focusing on local medicinal plants and the first biodiverse inventory of Mauritius and Rodrigues. Her research brought scientific rigor to traditional medicine, earning her the L’Oréal‑UNESCO Women in Science Award (2007) and the African Union Women in Science Award (2009).
Smart Enough to Lead. Brave Enough to Be First.
In a stunning twist, political leaders tapped her to be a neutral, credible candidate. “I have no political ambition… but if I can serve my country, why not?” she recalled. She was unanimously approved and sworn in on June 5, 2015, making global headlines.
Though a non-executive President, she used her platform to champion science, women’s representation, climate action, and unity in multicultural Mauritius. At Davos, she launched the Coalition for African Research and Innovation (CARI) with giants like the Gates Foundation and NEPAD.
Family & Personality
Married to Dr. Anwar Fakim since 1988, she’s a proud mother of Adam (b.1992) and Imaan. Known as warm, humble, and fierce, she credits her “visionary” parents and stands unwavering for gender equality and scientific integrity.
Setbacks & Integrity.
In March 2018, she resigned amid controversy for using a credit card from the Planet Earth Institute for personal items—though she reimbursed everything immediately. She stepped down “in the national interest,” owning the situation. That honesty speaks volumes about accountability.
Legacy and Impact Today
- Shattering ceilings: She’s a role model for women and girls in STEM, politics, and leadership.
- Building science ecosystems: Her work at CIDP, CARI, and partnerships (like with Gates Foundation) support thousands of African scientists.
- Global influence: From Forbes “100 Most Powerful Women” to Science Advisor for the FAO, her voice matters .
Why We Celebrate Her
Because she proves you can be real, bold, curious, compassionate, and intelligent and rewrite the maps of possibility. She shows that science + service can topple stereotypes and unite communities.
Lessons for Us All
- Don’t sidestep opportunity: Embrace risk—her leap from lab to presidency was unplanned, but powerful.
- Champion your passion: Whether herbal medicine or girls in science, just fight for it.
- Own your mistakes: Integrity means stepping up when things go sideways.
- Lift others: Building networks and institutions matters more than one person.
Dr. Ameenah Gurib‑Fakim’s story is more than a headline it’s proof. That girls from small villages, with curiosity and courage, can bloom into global changemakers. That science and soul belong at the center of leadership. That sometimes, even stepping back is stepping up.
She’s our Woman Crush of the Week
Not just for what she became, but for how she became it:
HUMBLY, BOLDLY, AND WITH PURPOSE.