GeoHERitage Eons, founded by Selma Tahiru, an Environmental Geoscientist has been officially launched under the theme: “African Women in Geoscience: Pioneering a Sustainable Future.” On March 15, 2025, at GNAT Hall.
GeoHERitage Eons is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering women in Geoscience, promoting Geotourism, advocating for Geoheritage conservation, and engaging communities in disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation across Africa.
The launch drew an impressive lineup of leaders, experts, and institutions rallying behind Selma’s vision, including:
Hon. Richard Gyan Mensah – Deputy Minister of Energy and Green Transition, Dr. Yvonne Loh – Senior Lecturer, Department of Earth Science, University of Ghana, Madam Judith Amponsah Owusu – Asset Head, GNPC-Ghana & President of GNPC’s Petroleum Ladies (PeLa), Mrs. Celestina Akpene – Geoscientist, Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, Dr. Daniel Boamah – Former Director General, Ghana Geological Survey Authority, Dr. Joseph Kobla Wemakor – Executive Director, Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG), Mrs. Saviour Morkley – Principal Geologist, Ghana Geological Survey Authority (GGSA), Dr. Millicent Obeng Addai – Lecturer, Department of Geography Education, University of Education-Winneba, Mrs. Hikima Lois Nutekpor – Senior Geoscientist, GGSA, Representatives from Ghana National Fire Service and Women in Mining Ghana
Hon. Richard Gyan Mensah reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting women in STEM, particularly in Geoscience. He emphasized that gender equity is not just a women’s issue but a societal need: “When you support women, you support yourselves.”
A thought-provoking panel discussion, moderated by Mr. Israel Nlason, tackled the theme: “Breaking Barriers, Forging Equity: Systemic Change & Inclusion in Geoscience.” The panelists, distinguished women in the field, discussed the challenges and strategies for increasing female representation in Geoscience.
Selma shared her journey into Geoscience saying “I first heard the word ‘geology’ in 2007 from my geography teacher in Lagos, Nigeria. That moment shaped my decision to pursue Geoscience in 2015. Out of a class of 40 students from that geography class, I was the only one who chose this path. Today, I stand here as an Environmental Geoscientist, driven to bridge the gender gap in Geoscience and promote environmental sustainability in Africa.”
With this powerful statement, she called on organizations to help close the gender gap in Geoscience and provide opportunities for women in the field. With that, GeoHERitage Eons was officially launched.
In an interview with Ghana News Guide, Selma laid out her vision for the future:
“This launch is just the beginning. Our goal is to make Geoscience visible, empower women in the sector, and drive awareness of Geoheritage conservation, climate change, disaster risk reduction, and geotourism. We will continue to educate communities while advancing research and advocacy in these critical areas.”
She emphasized Africa’s lack of geological conservation sites, pointing out that the continent has only two UNESCO Global Geoparks, with Lake Bosomtwe set to become the third. But without strong policies and protection measures, these efforts will not be sustainable.
“Geoconservation is the missing half of conservation,” she stressed, “and it holds the key to Ghana’s and Africa’s socio-economic growth.”
Selma also announced two major initiatives. First, the Geoscience for Her Empowerment and Representation in AFRICA (GeoHER) Program which is designed to connect female students and early-career Geoscientists with industry experts for mentorship, training, and volunteer opportunities.
Second is the Make It Change (MICH) Program. This program has begun engaging communities, starting with children, in waste segregation, climate action, and disaster preparedness.
Selma Tahiru’s journey is more than personal ambition, it’s a movement. GeoHERitage Eons is a bold step toward changing the landscape of Geoscience for women in Africa.
“I said it, and I did it,” she declared.
But the work is just beginning. GeoHERitage Eons needs the support of policymakers, industry leaders, and institutions to create real systemic change.
This is not just an organization, it is a catalyst for progress, a call for equity, and a beacon for future generations of women in Geoscience.
