Emerging Leaders
Empowering Future Muslim Leaders in Sarajevo – May 2024
In April 2024, FEMYSO, in collaboration with the European Youth Foundation (EYF) hosted its highly anticipated Emerging Leaders international activity in the vibrant city of Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. This training gathered young leaders from across Europe for an intensive leadership development programme in one of the most historically and culturally rich cities in Europe.
The week-long training aimed to equip young Muslim leaders with the skills and knowledge necessary to lead with confidence and vision. Designed to address the unique challenges and aspirations of the diverse cohort of participants, the programme covered essential topics such as strategic planning, effective communication, and organisational management. The training balanced theoretical insights with practical skill-building, encompassing both soft skills such as stress and conflict management –and hard skills, including strategic analysis, partnership building, and project management.
A key highlight of the programme was the focus on stakeholder engagement, an essential aspect of sustainable leadership. Participants explored strategies for identifying, engaging, and collaborating with a diverse range of stakeholders, from community members to policymakers, external partners, and donors. This segment emphasised on the importance of fostering meaningful connections to maximise organisational impact.
The programme also emphasised the dynamics of effective team leadership, equipping participants with tools to build cohesive, motivated and high-performing teams. Recognising that many member organisations (MOs) are led by first-time leaders, the training provided guidance on improving communication, resolving conflicts, and enhancing collaboration within teams.
Beyond the workshops, participants had the invaluable opportunity to engage directly with leaders and policymakers who shared their journeys and their experience. These interactions offered insights into the role of leadership and resilience in driving meaningful change at the highest levels.
The training also provided a platform for participants who are representing their respective MO to contribute their insights on FEMYSO’s core operations and activities, including its advocacy work.
A unique feature of the Emerging Leaders activity was its emphasis on the practical application of leadership concepts. Through immersive workshops and role-playing exercises, participants actively their newly acquired skills in real-world scenarios. By the conclusion of the programme, they had developed actionable leadership plans to implement within their respective organisations, ensuring a lasting impact.
Additionally, the FEMYSO Executive Committee engaged with the leadership of the Nahla centre for Education and Research, a pioneering organisation dedicated to empowering women through education, counselling, business support, and various social services.
Another profoundly significant element of the programme was a visit to the Srebrenica Memorial Centre, where participants paid tribute to the victims of the Srebrenica genocide. Nearly 30 years after the worst atrocity on European soil since the Holocaust, this visit served as a reminder of the consequences of dehumanisation, hatred, discrimination, reinforcing the importance of leadership rooted in unity and justice.
