Example scenario
A young woman from Afghanistan attends a mental health awareness session. She avoids eye contact, sits at the back and does not contribute to group discussions.
A quick assumption might be:
“She is not participating because she is uninterested.”
A culturally informed interpretation might be:
Avoiding eye contact may be a sign of respect rather than disengagement. She may feel shame or stigma in discussing mental health publicly. Gender norms in her culture may discourage speaking openly in mixed groups. She may fear judgment or misunderstanding.
What this shows: Cultural competence helps us move from assumption → understanding → supportive action.
Exercise
Take a moment to reflect on your own role and experience. Write down your answers to the following four questions:
• What does cultural competence mean in the context of your own work?
• Which cultural factors (your own or others’) have influenced your interactions in the past?
• What cultural biases or assumptions do you notice in yourself?
• What is one step you want to take to strengthen your cultural competence?
You may complete this reflection privately in a notebook or digital document. It will not be evaluated but is an important part of personal learning.