All you need to know about Ameenah Firdaus Gurib-Fakim, the first woman president of Mauritius

Mauritius appointed Ameenah Firdaus Gurib-Fakim as its first woman president on Thursday after her predecessor stepped down from the the ceremonial position last week.

"It is the first time in the history of Mauritius that a woman has acceded to this post," parliament speaker Santi Bai Hanoomanjee said after lawmakers approved Prime Minister Anerood Jugnauth's motion proposing Gurib-Fakim.

The first woman president of Mauritius is an accomplished scientist. Here is all you need to know about her-

-Gurib-Fakim has a Ph.D in Organic Chemistry from the University Exeter, UK.

-She began her career as a Lecturer at the Faculty of Agriculture at the University of Mauritius.

-She served as the Dean of the Faculty of Science and Pro Vice-Chancellor at the University of Mauritius from 2004 to 2010.

-Gurib-Fakim is a member of the Royal Society Chemistry, International Union Pure and Applied Chemistry and the Third World Academy Sci.

-In 1989, she was awarded the C.Chem award by the Royal Society of Chemistry in recognition of her skills and contribution to the field.

-She has written and co-edited 26 books, apart from numerous articles in the field of biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. 

-She has served as the Managing Director of the Centre for Phototherapy and Research and Professor of Organic Chemistry with an endowed chair at the University of Mauritius.

-Prime Minister Anerood Jugnauth's ruling coalition nominated her for the post of the President.

-She became the first woman President of Mauritus after the parliament approved the motion moved by the Prime Minister.