Former President of Mauritius
Born on May 24, 1959, in Surinam Village, Mauritius. She is a Mauritian politician and biologist. She pursued further study at the University of Surrey and the University of Exeter in the United Kingdom, earning a bachelor's degree in chemistry and a doctorate in organic chemistry. After returning to Mauritius in 1987, she taught for many years at the University of Mauritius, serving as senior lecturer and professor, and also as Pro Vice-Chancellor. Her research achievements in chemistry and biodiversity earned her multiple international honors, including awards recognizing outstanding women scientists.
In 2015, she was appointed President of Mauritius by Parliament, becoming the country's first female president and, according to the profile, Africa's first Muslim female head of state. During her term (2015–2018), she used her scientific background and international perspective to advocate national policies centered on innovation in science and technology, gender equality, and sustainable development. She paid particular attention to biodiversity conservation, documenting traditional knowledge, and promoting Africa's development in the knowledge economy.