Onni Asian Moms Meetups
Navigating Communication across Differences
Ever felt a bit of tension trying to balance Dutch directness with the modesty and nuance valued in your home language and culture? You are not alone.
In our past meetups, many parents shared how challenging it can be to navigate these different communication styles. In this session, we seek to transform the perceived "weakness" of high-context communication into an asset, helping you find your own balance and become an effective advocate for your children.
Our special guest this time is Shoko Dauwels. Originally from Japan, Shoko has lived in five different countries across three continents. She will work us to explore communication across cultures, expectations, and styles. Instead of simply "fitting in" to Dutch norms, this interactive session is about developing your own communication strategies based on your unique strengths, experiences, and cultural roots.
What we will cover through small group discussions and pair practices:
• Share communication challenges caused by differing cultural norms.
• Discuss how cultural tendencies shape interpretations and misunderstandings.
• Recognize your own communication strengths and resources.
• Explore ways to respond to challenging situations with clarity and self-respect.
Join us to reflect on your cultural roots and how to respond to challenges with confidence!
Short biography of Special Guest:
Shoko Dauwels helps people strengthen their thinking and communication capabilities so they can navigate conversations and relationships with more clarity, confidence, and care. She is a facilitator, trainer, and learning designer based in Rotterdam, with more than 20 years of experience living and working across five countries in 3 continents. Shoko brings an interdisciplinary approach to her work, balancing academic rigour with practical relevance. Her workshops are reflective and interactive, exploring how individual differences, including culture, background, communication styles, and life experiences, shape everyday interactions. She helps participants gain new perspectives and practical options for communicating across individual differences.
Details:
★ For For all who identify themselves as Asian parents, whether you recently moved to the Netherlands or grew up in the Netherlands as 2nd/3rd generation Asian Dutch, Living or working in Rotterdam
★ Time and date: 10:00 – 12:00 on Wednesday 1st July
★ Location: Studio Bakkerij, Bergweg 283, 3037 EM, Rotterdam
★ Tea & coffee included.
★ Registration: Free event. Please sign up via Studio Bakkerij.
With thanks to: Gemeente Rotterdam, Volkskracht, Rotterdamse Vourwensfonds, Soroptimist International Club Rotterdam.
Design by Jessy Wong.
