Human Rights Reporters 
On March 15, 2025, the bustling halls of GNAT in Accra were filled with excitement and anticipation as the GeoHERitage Eons was officially launched.
This non-governmental organization (NGO) aims to empower women in the geoscience sector, addressing the enduring gender gap that has long existed in this critical field.
GeoHERitage Eons is driven by a powerful mission, focusing on three key areas: enabling young women to take on problem-solving roles in geoscience, advocating for the conservation of geoheritage while promoting geotourism, and educating communities about climate change and disaster resilience, all in the name of sustainable development.
The event featured a heartfelt keynote speech from Richard Gyan-Mensah, the Deputy Minister for Energy and Green Transition. He expressed deep admiration for the initiative, stating, “If you educate a woman, you educate a nation.”
His personal anecdotes resonated with attendees as he shared how his mother’s unwavering commitment to his education shaped his journey and the significance of women’s roles in fostering education and community development.
Gyan-Mensah praised the goals of GeoHERitage Eons, particularly in light of the global energy transitions and their profound impacts on economies and livelihoods.
He emphasized the need to elevate the role of women in geoscience, highlighting the alarming fact that women currently make up only a small percentage of the workforce in this sector, especially within the petroleum industry.
“To create a nurturing environment for women in geoscience, we must champion initiatives like GeoHERitage Eons,” he urged.
His call to action included advocating for policy reforms to establish essential workplace facilities for women, such as daycare services and robust parental leave policies.
He further encouraged women to embrace modern technologies, specifically computational geoscience, to enhance their skills and maintain relevance in this rapidly evolving field.
The inspiration continued with Dr. Yvonne Sena Loh, a Senior Lecturer at the University of Ghana, who underscored the critical need for empowerment and mentorship.
In her powerful address, she spoke candidly about the challenges faced by women in geoscience, including limited access to funding and societal biases.
“If we are to pioneer a sustainable future, we must take deliberate actions to break barriers,” she proclaimed, calling upon attendees to actively engage in initiatives that promote female representation in the field.
Her poignant reminder, “When you educate a woman, you have educated a nation,” echoed throughout the audience.
Adding to the inspiring narratives, Selma Tahiru, the founder of GeoHERitage Eons, shared her personal journey and the pivotal role that male mentors played in her success.
“With the wings of these five men, I am standing here to promote other women,” she stated, urging for continued support of the organization’s mission.
As the launch drew to a close, Gyan-Mensah reaffirmed the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition’s commitment to collaborating with GeoHERitage Eons.
He exuded confidence that this initiative would lead to tangible outcomes and emphasized the importance of ongoing dialogue to achieve the desired goals.
The inception of GeoHERitage Eons marks a significant turning point in the fight for gender equality in geoscience.
By creating pathways for young women to enter this vital field, the organization not only addresses the gender gap but also fosters a more inclusive and sustainable future for geosciences in Ghana and beyond.
With a shared commitment to education, empowerment, and support, the foundation is laid for a new generation of female geoscientists ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.
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