Intersectional Leadership in Action: Reflections from OBESSU’s Training in Mollina – by Nadin Suljić

I, Nadin Suljić from ASuBiH, had the opportunity to participate in OBESSU’s Training Course for International Officers, which took place alongside seven other partner organisations during the University on Youth and Development in Mollina, Spain, from the 14th to the 21st of September.  The event brought together 15 representatives of school student unions from across Europe, creating a unique and diverse space for dialogue, learning, and reflection.

Over the course of a week, we engaged in in-depth conversations centred around feminist and intersectional leadership, questioning current practices within our organisations and exploring alternative, more inclusive models of leadership. This was done through a variety of interactive methods, including debates, group discussions, case studies, simulations, and peer-to-peer learning. Each activity was designed not just to deepen our theoretical understanding but to strengthen our practical skills in leadership, communication, advocacy, and inclusivity. Moreover, the training served as a powerful trigger to reflect on what it means to lead with empathy, equality, and strength in ways that actively challenge and dismantle patriarchal norms and traditional power structures.

OBESSU’s training in Mollina demonstrated how education and activism, when thoughtfully designed, can become powerful tools for driving social change. Intersectional leadership is not just a theory – it is a daily practice, a continuous struggle, and a shared responsibility. Through events like this, students and young leaders across Europe not only gain valuable knowledge but also the motivation and confidence to become agents of change within their communities.

Written by Nadin Suljić