RESPECT For DIVERSITY

1. RESPECT ForDIVERSITY BY HOWIDA & CATHELINE

2. 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 .

3. 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.

4. 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 .

13. 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 .

17. 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 .

18. 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 .

19. 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 .

20. BODY LANGUAGE

23. DRESS CODE

26. CLIMATE

29. 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

30. TRAFFIC • Respect the laws & regulations of the hosting country .

31. 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 .

35. 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 .

36. 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 .

37. 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 .

38. 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 .

39. Exercise

40. Thank You