Jennifer Geerlings-Simons is sworn in as first woman president of Suriname

On July 6, President Jennifer Geerlings‑Simons was elected by Suriname’s National Assembly as the country’s first woman president, winning by acclamation as the sole candidate following a coalition of parties that secured the required two-thirds majority.

She was officially sworn in at a state ceremony on July 16, at the Anthony Nesty Sports Hall in Paramaribo, taking over from outgoing President Chan Santokhi. Her ascent marks not only a historic moment for gender equality in Suriname but also sets a pivotal tone for how the country will navigate its oil-era economic transformation.