Dr. Yael Mehl, researcher of Israeli Folklore and wife of the
Israeli Ambassador to Ghana, has encouraged women to believe in themselves and
raise their children with positive values because they have the power to
influence the mindsets of the next generation.
Speaking at a one day seminar organised by the Ga-Dangme
Moslem Council (GMC) at the Holy Trinity Catholic Secondary School, Dr. Yael
stressed the need for women to know their special position in the family and
society. She admonished the participants to look beyond their limitations, and
strive to use their talents, wisdom and special abilities to positively change
their lives for the better, to support their husbands and make lasting
differences, albeit small in their families and communities.
Dr. Yael reminded the
participants of how women have influenced history in various ways. She spoke about Malala Yousifazi who was shot
by the Taliban for trying to get formal education, and how the girl from
Pakistan who decided to help many girls to get education won a Nobel Prize. Using
the story of Moses in the Old Testament, Dr. Yael showed how women collaborated
to save the life of Moses even under very restrictive and difficult situations.
She also cited a woman like Oprah Winfrey who went through a difficult beginning but overcame it and is a top TV host making great
impacts in other women.
‘Few weeks ago I met a woman here in Accra that impressed
me very much. She did not look for a job, she has created one. She has set up a
sewing workshop which employs a dozen people. She is designing clothes and
provides a living not only for herself, but also for others including some men’
Dr. Yael said.
Apart from the opportunity to share her knowledge with the participants,
Dr. Yael intimated that for a Jew to speak at a Moslem event held in a
Christian auditorium is a clear example of the tolerance and peaceful co-existence
that exist in Ghana.
There was also a presentation on the United Nations’ Sustainable
Development Goals by the advocacy group, Rrunning with the Goals.
Thanks to the Executive Director of GMC, Alhaji Ahmed Nii
Nortey for the invitation, and the difference he is making in the lives of
women through the organization.