Women and Politics: a Conversation with Lejla

Through the Political Activism Academy, organized by the Tuzla Open Center, many young women and LGBTI+ individuals experienced for the first time that politics doesn’t have to be distant, dull, or reserved for those “at the top.” One of them is Lejla, a young person from a small town in the Tuzla Canton, who, after taking part in the Academy, began to see politics from an entirely new perspective.

“During the Academy, I realized that politics isn’t a space for ‘other people’ it’s for me, too.”

Lejla is only twenty years old and studies social sciences. Just a few months ago, she says, she had no real connection with politics, and the very word “politics” made her feel uneasy rather than curious. Everything changed, however, in October during the Political Activism Academy. What made this experience meaningful for her was that a close friend had invited her to attend, though she hadn’t expected much from it. She thought she might meet new people but didn’t imagine she would learn so much. For her, being “politically active” meant simply voting, although, as she points out, it’s disheartening that in Bosnia and Herzegovina, there are hardly any politicians who openly and directly advocate for the rights of LGBTI+ people and youth.

“I came to the Academy out of curiosity, I had no idea what to expect. Honestly, I thought politics had nothing to do with me, that it was something only certain people deal with. But already on the first day, after Lejla Huremović’s lecture, I understood how important it is for our voices to be heard,” says Lejla.

At the lecture on activism and advocacy, she explains, she realized for the first time that politics isn’t just about parties and elections, but about all of us, how we live, what laws govern us, and how we treat one another. After that very first session, she felt her beliefs shifting completely. “At times, it felt like I was in a movie or a dream. I kept asking myself questions I never thought had answers, but that only motivated me to ask even more.”

“Lejla, our lecturer, told us that change begins the moment we stop believing that we can’t make a difference. When I heard that, something inside me switched on.”

Throughout the Academy, Lejla and the other participants learned about the historical struggle of women for political rights and equality. Lecturer Selma Mustačević, whose words left a lasting impression on her, spoke about the role of women in public life and the importance of courage.

“Selma spoke with so much passion that I thought, maybe I, too, could change something one day. She said that women often doubt themselves but actually have enormous potential. That struck me deeply because I’d often thought I wasn’t smart or serious enough for things like that.”

During Selma’s workshop, a particular exercise stayed with her. Participants were asked to walk around the room acting out two scenarios: a man whose favorite football team just won a game and a woman who had just been crowned Miss Universe. It fascinated Lejla to observe the differences in body language and how social norms shape them. Another memorable moment was the story of Icelandic women who once decided to stop working for a full day, causing the country to grind to a halt. “The message was powerful, women hold up our societies, and it’s time everyone recognized that.”

The workshops led by Merisa Okanović opened up an entirely new world for her, practical yet transformative. Learning how to draft initiatives, understand local governance, and discover how citizens can spark change in their communities were revelations for Lejla.

“I never knew that I, as an ordinary citizen, could propose a change, that there are actual mechanisms and procedures for it, and that every local decision affects my daily life.”

What touched her most during the Academy, she says, were the conversations among participants.

“There were people from all kinds of backgrounds, urban and rural areas, students, high schoolers, activists. For some of us, it was the first time being in a space where LGBTI+ topics were discussed openly. I felt safe for the first time, I didn’t feel like I had to justify my existence.”

When asked how she now perceives politics just days after the Academy, Lejla smiles and says:

“Now I see that politics isn’t a dirty word. It’s just a tool, the question is who uses it and for what purpose.”

She adds that she would like to be part of political life someday, though not necessarily through a political party.

“Maybe through local initiatives, maybe through community work. Now I know that politics can be done out of love and care for others and that it’s not about being perfect, but about showing up.”

When asked whether she felt support from other women and young people, Lejla answers without hesitation:

“Yes, absolutely. I felt so much solidarity among us. There was no competition at the Academy only support. When someone spoke, others listened. When someone shared something personal, no one judged. That’s the kind of politics I want, politics of dialogue, not conflict.”

“I realized that change doesn’t happen overnight. It begins with small things, speaking up, supporting another person, showing up at a meeting, casting a vote. Those are political acts. The Academy opened my eyes and gave me the courage to believe that I, too, can make a difference. And I have to say I’m really glad my friend invited me to come!”

Lejla doesn’t know whether she will one day enter politics, but she knows one thing for sure, she no longer wants to stand on the sidelines.

“I don’t want people who don’t know me deciding my future. I want to be part of the conversation, part of the decisions, part of the change.”

Lejla’s story mirrors that of many young LGBTI+ people who often feel out of place in society and see their only hope for belonging outside Bosnia and Herzegovina. Yet, through the Political Activism Academy, Lejla experienced something transformative for the first time she realized that her voice matters.

This activity was supported by the Government of Canada through the project “Building Political Power in the Margins: Strengthening Civic Participation of Rural Women and LGBTI+ People in Tuzla Canton through Education, Skills Training, and Community-Based Advocacy.”

We are grateful to Canada for its contribution to this project through the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives.

The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of the Government of Canada.