RESPECT For DIVERSITY

BY HOWIDA & CATHELINE

AIM

• Increase awareness about the importance of culture and dimensions of diversity in the mission area .

• Reduce the possibility of misunderstanding , when making communications with others .

LEARNING OUTCOMES

• Know what is meant by culture and diversity .• Be aware of cultural differences and how

different kinds of diversity might be evident in the mission area , and local society .

• Be aware of what is involved in respecting diversity in a multicultural peacekeeping environment .

• Be acknowledged about the strategy for enhancing communication.

DEFINITION• Culture is the way people live , i.e. customs ,

arts , language ,eating , habits , gestures , norms , and social institutions .

• It could also be known as a system of support for interpretation , understanding and communication in common terms.

• There is a difference between culture and power structure .

ASPECTS OF CULTURES• FOOD AND EATING HABITS :• Eating habits differ from nation to another

(using knife , fork and spoon ; chopsticks and a spoon ; the right hand ) .

• Some nationalities eat from individual plates , others use one common plates .

• I n some cultures women do not eat with men at the same table .

RELIGION• As a peacekeeper , make sure that you are

familiar with the religion practiced in the host country . For example , Friday is the weekly holiday in Muslim societies .

In a mosque (Muslim place for worship) One should take off his shoes .

Women are required to cover their bodies .

AGE AND HIERARCHY

• In some countries , the elderly have a leading role So , the peacekeeper should show respect and establish good relations . For example , if a peacekeeper wants to get in contact with chief , he /she shall consult the younger people in the village , and then arrange a meeting .

When the meeting takes place , the peacekeeper shall not get down immediately, to business . Instead he/she start the meeting by talking about family , weather , crops , or any other neutral issues .

LANGUAGE• It is considered as important form of

communication ( written or spoken )• UN languages : Arabic , English , French ,

Russian and Spanish .• Dialects of those who speak English among

peacekeepers vary from one to another .

BODY LANGUAGE

DRESS CODE

CLIMATE

HISTORY• Knowing the history of the mission area is very

important for the peacekeeper.• A background to conflict and the basic facts

are helpful in executing the mission

TRAFFIC

• Respect the laws & regulations of the hosting country .

TIME• Peacekeeper should find out the local cultural

practices with regard to punctuality .• He / She shouldn’t take it as an insult if the

locals don’t show up on time , or are in no hurry .

CULTURE SHOCK• It is an individual’s natural response to

changes from his/her own national and ethnic environment to another , in which discomfort occurs .

A SUCCESSFUL INTER-CULTURAL ADJUSTMENT

• That could happen by learning from colleagues , locals , other components , and experiences . So , one should start by using his/her sense .

• Then his/her perception .• At last his/her impression .

• When ever you know cultures of others communities , you can avoid the pre-judgment , as well as the stereotype .

• Experience is very important for a successful inter-cultural adjustment .

A SUMMARY

• Peacekeeping personnel must be aware of the diversity and the culture in the mission area .

• A peacekeeper should respect diversity , because it is a core value of the United Nations .

• Our language and culture norms can affect communications .

Exercise

Thank You