Ameenah Gurib-Fakim is a Mauritian scientist and politician who served as the President of Mauritius from 2015 to 2018. She is known for her work in biodiversity and her research on medicinal plants. Gurib-Fakim has a strong academic background, holding a Ph.D. in organic chemistry and has published numerous scientific papers. In addition to her scientific contributions, Gurib-Fakim has been an advocate for women's rights and education. She has held various leadership roles, including being the first female president of the African Academy of Sciences. Her presidency marked a significant moment in Mauritian history, as she was the first woman to hold the office.