Simply me!

 As a woman originally from Jordan, I have always been aware of the cultural differences that exist around the world. When I made the decision to move from Doha, Qatar, to Berlin, Germany, in 2019, I knew that I would be facing new challenges and cultural differences.

One of the biggest cultural differences that I noticed was the attitude towards women's rights. In Jordan and Qatar, women have made great strides in recent years, but there are still significant cultural and societal barriers that women face. In contrast, Germany has a strong commitment to gender equality, and women's rights are well-protected by law.

One example of the differences in women's rights that I experienced was in the workplace. In Jordan and Qatar, it is still uncommon for women to hold leadership positions or to work in fields traditionally dominated by men, such as engineering or finance. In contrast, Germany has a more gender-balanced workforce, and women hold leadership positions in a wide range of industries.

One of the most notable differences was the pace of life. In Doha, life moves at a slower pace, with a greater emphasis on family and social relationships. Berlin, on the other hand, is a bustling city with a fast-paced lifestyle. It was an adjustment for me to get used to the faster pace of life and the need to keep up with the demands of work and social activities.

Another major cultural difference was in the attitudes towards time. In Qatar, it is common for meetings and events to start later than the scheduled time, as people prioritize socializing and building relationships. In Berlin, punctuality is highly valued, and being late can be seen as disrespectful. I had to make a conscious effort to be on time for appointments and meetings, and to respect the value of others' time.

The food and culinary traditions were also quite different. In Qatar, traditional dishes are heavily influenced by Middle Eastern and Indian flavors, with an emphasis on spices and bold flavors. In Berlin, there is a wide range of international cuisine available, with a focus on fresh, healthy ingredients

Despite these differences, I found that moving to Germany was a positive experience, both personally and professionally. I was able to embrace the new culture and learn from my colleagues and friends. I also found that the cultural differences that I encountered were not obstacles, but rather opportunities to broaden my perspective and grow as a person.

In conclusion, as a woman from Jordan, I have experienced firsthand the cultural differences that exist around the world, particularly in the area of women's rights. Moving to Germany allowed me to experience a new culture and a more progressive attitude towards gender equality, which has had a positive impact on my life and career. I hope that by sharing my experiences, I can encourage other women to embrace new cultures and opportunities, and to fight for their rights and equality no matter where they are in the world.