It is noted that during geological meetings, the participation of women geoscientists is typically very limited. In order to help to rectify this discrepancy, a decision was taken to form an association in order to encourage women geoscientists to participate in Earth Sciences related conferences and to inform about or become involved in gender issues related to the Earth Sciences. In 1995, the African Association of Women Geoscientists “AAWG” was created in Nairobi, Kenya.

 The objectives and purposes for which the Association is constituted are to : Promote the advancement of scientific and technological knowledge in the field of geosciences ; Disseminate information on scientific and technical research and discoveries and promote public understanding of the role of geosciences in Africa’s development ; Establish and maintain relations between African scientists and the international scientific community ; Provide a forum for discussion and cooperation in geosciences and other related professions in Africa ; Assist African governments in the quest for capacity building in geosciences and its applications ; Cooperate with relevant African governments in the formulation of policies and program designed to encourage the development and application of geosciences for Africa’s development ; Publish and distribute a bulletin and/or other publications in the field of geosciences development in Africa ; Organize conferences, seminars, symposia, training courses and workshops in various areas of geosciences ; Highlight and seek solutions to problems faced specifically by women and grassroots communities in Africa in the area of geosciences ; Encourage and mobilize support for education, training and research in order to assist African women in their acquisition of specialized skills for leadership in geosciences ; Identify, promote, identify and advise on the importance and preservation of geological sites in Africa in collaboration with other stakeholders ; Undertake all such other activities as may be consistent with the objective of the Association.

 Building on this, the AAWG decided to hold its first workshop “Gender and environmental concerns among female geoscientists in Africa” in 2000 in Dar Essalam in Tanzania for the purpose of exchanging ideas, discussing results and encouraging women to present their work at scientific conferences. Consequently, the Colloquium of the African Association of Women Geoscientists “CAAWG” was born. Since then, the association is at its fifth biannual conference.

 The development of a continent relies on the availability and the commitment of both men and women. Africa is a natural resources rich continent where there is still both a need and an opportunity to learn from past mistakes in the management of these resources in order to improve the living conditions of its peoples. The AAWG is convinced that it is now becoming urgent for African countries to involve more women in the management of these natural resources to fuel sustainable socio-economical development in order to establish a sustainable peace on the continent. The choice of “Women and Geosciences for Peace” as a theme of the fifth conference of the AAWG which will be held in Côte d’Ivoire in 2010 came to reinforce this conviction.

 The AAWG participated to the promotion of the International Year of Planet Earth “IYPE” by organizing its fourth conference in 2008 in Cairo (Egypt) under the title “Women and the International Year of Planet Earth”. The third conference entitled “Women, Geosciences & Development” was held in 2006 in El Jadida (Morocco). The second colloquium was held in in 2004 Kampala (Uganda) “Enhancement of Geosciences for Environment Awareness, Poverty Alleviation and Sustainable Development”. The first colloquium “Women Geoscientists : Past Achievements and Future Challenges” took place in Cape Town (South Africa) in 2002.

  To summarise, we believe that this association trough its objectives, its conferences and related short courses, workshops and field trips represents an opportunity for women geoscientists to interact and share experiences, ideas and knowledge. Hence, the ongoing dynamic shows during the last years, that the leadership roles in Earth Sciences is slowly but surely increasingly being taken by women geoscientists.

  Despite the fact that women are working in all society spheres, there is no doubt that sex-stereotyping and discrimination still exists especially in underdeveloped and developing countries where women are the most vulnerable segment of the human society and are the first who suffer from poverty. Equality between men and women exists when both sexes have equal opportunities, rights and obligations. Good quality of education and capacity-building can allow women to play a key role in the sustainable development for a sustainable peace. To conclude, we would invite all women geoscientists to take part to this dynamic and by the occasion to invite all stakeholders to work hand in hand in order to help rectify this discrepancy for the benefit of the society.

Prof. Ezzoura ERRAMI, AAWG President