GeoHERitage Eons launches to empower women in geoscience

On March 15, 2025, the launch of GeoHERitage Eons, a new non-governmental organization (NGO), took place at GNAT Hall in Accra.

This pivotal event aimed to empower women within the geoscience sector, addressing the ongoing gender gap in the field.

The organization is focused on three key objectives: empowering young women to take on problem-solving roles in geoscience, advocating for geoheritage conservation and promoting geotourism, and educating communities about climate change and disaster resilience to foster sustainable development.

Richard Gyan-Mensah, the Deputy Minister for Energy and Green Transition, delivered a heartfelt speech that underscored the importance of the initiative.

He emphasized the vital need to empower women in geoscience, stating, “If you educate a woman, you educate a nation.”

Gyan-Mensah reflected on the significant role women play in fostering education and community development, sharing personal stories about how his mother’s commitment to his education profoundly shaped his life.

He praised GeoHERitage Eons for its mission, which aligns with broader efforts to empower women and is crucial as the world faces energy transitions and their impacts on economies and livelihoods.

Despite the promising prospects of involving African women in geoscience—such as sustainable resource extraction and minimizing environmental impacts—he pointed out the stark reality of gender disparity in the field.

Currently, only a small percentage of the geoscience workforce in Ghana comprises women, particularly in the petroleum sector.

“To create a congenial environment for women in geoscience, we must support initiatives like GeoHERitage Eons,” he urged.

Gyan-Mensah called for policy reforms to provide essential facilities for women in the workplace, including daycare services and robust parental leave policies.

He also encouraged women to embrace modern technologies, such as computational geoscience, to enhance their skills and ensure their relevance in a rapidly evolving field.

Dr. Yvonne Sena Loh, a Hydrogeologist and Senior Lecturer at the University of Ghana, delivered an inspiring keynote address.

She shared personal experiences and highlighted the challenges women face in geoscience, such as limited funding opportunities and societal biases.

“If we are to pioneer a sustainable future, we must take deliberate actions to break barriers,” she asserted.

Dr. Loh also stressed the importance of mentorship and community support, encouraging attendees to engage in initiatives that enhance female representation in the field.

“When you educate a woman, you have educated a nation,” she emphasized, calling for collective efforts toward change.

Selma Tahiru, the founder of GeoHERitage Eons, also took the stage, sharing her journey and the vital role male mentors played in her success. “With the wings of these five men, I am standing here to promote other women,” she remarked, appealing for support for the organization’s mission.

In closing, Gyan-Mensah reaffirmed the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition’s commitment to collaborating with GeoHERitage Eons to achieve its goals.

He expressed confidence that the launch would lead to tangible outcomes, stating, “Let us continue the conversation, and the desired goals will be achieved.”

The launch of GeoHERitage Eons marks a crucial step toward rectifying the underrepresentation of women in geoscience.

By creating pathways for young women to enter the field, the organization strives to cultivate a more inclusive and sustainable future for geosciences in Ghana and beyond.

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