Geoscientists from around the world are cordially invited to attend the 10th International Conference of the African Association of Women in Geosciences on Earth Sciences and Sustainable Development in Africa, Luanda, Angola from July 27 – 31, 2020. The conference is organized by the African Association for Women in Geosciences (AAWG) and the Angolan Association of Women in Geosciences in partnership with the Government of Angola.

Objectives
Geosciences is a constantly changing science, and therefore geoscientists must have up to date knowledge of this field and a good concept on earth and its resources and geo-hazard, and to find out ways of utilizing these resources properly for sustainable development. The conference aims to contribute to improving the scientific and social inclusion of women, and attracting them for careers in geosciences. It also aims to get women to contribute to the implementation of global programs such as ” Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development”; the “Paris Agreement on Climate Change”; “Agenda 2063 – Africa We want,” among others.

AAWG aims to provide a forum for discussion, dissemination of information and cooperation among women geoscientists at local, regional and international levels and in private and public institutions and strengthen their collaboration with all stakeholders. to encourage them to participate in technical and scientific events, because we have reassured that their involvement in research and manufacturing industries are keys areas to help Africa out of underdevelopment.

Detailed information about the conference and registration is available here.

About African Association of Women in Geosciences
At many geoscientific meetings and conferences, the low participation of women geoscientists was noticed and raised as concerns. In order to help to address these concerns, a decision was taken to form this association in order to encourage women geoscientists to be active 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 in Geosciences was born in Nairobi, Kenya.

The objectives and purposes for which the Association was constituted are to:

1. Promote the advancement of scientific and technological knowledge in the field of geosciences;
2. Disseminate information on scientific and technical research and discoveries and promote public understanding of the role of geosciences in Africa’s development;
3. Establish and maintain relations between African scientists and the international scientific community;
4. Provide a forum for discussion and cooperation in geosciences and other related professions in Africa;
5. Assist African governments in the quest for capacity building in geosciences and its applications;
6. 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;
7. Publish and distribute a bulletin and/or other publications in the field of geosciences development in Africa;
8. Organize conferences, seminars, symposia, training courses and workshops in various areas of geosciences;
9. Highlight and seek solutions to problems faced specifically by women and grassroots communities in Africa in the area of geosciences;
10. 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;
11. Identify, promote and advise on the importance and preservation of geological sites in Africa.

To meet these objectives, the association has organized numerous events in and outside Africa, especially the biannual international conferences. The association is at its 10th conference which is being organized in Angola.

Visit AAWG website.