The First International “LEADERKA” School: Women with Disabilities Ready for Meaningful Participation in Their Countries’ EU Accession Processes
From July 14–18, Brussels hosted the first International LEADERKA School of Political Participation for girls and women with disabilities, which was organized by Fight For Right in partnership with the European Network on Independent Living (ENIL).
This unique school provided an intensive week of:
- Theoretical and practical training on the EU system and law, leadership, communication, advocacy, political participation, and feminism;
- Networking, experience exchange, and mutual empowerment;
- Meetings with women politicians, including Members of the European Parliament;
- Building solidarity and celebrating the power and pride of the disability community.
Participants gained valuable political knowledge and tools to strengthen local disability communities, contribute meaningfully to the EU integration process, and advance their advocacy and human rights efforts.
Nadia Haddad, ENIL co-founder and disability rights activist, encouraged participants to uphold the principles of independent living — self-determination and self-representation. She reminded them never to let others speak for them, make decisions on their behalf, or control their lives.
Юлія Сачук, голова Fight For Right
Yuliia Sachuk, human rights defender and Head of Fight For Right, inspired the group to act with purpose, noting:
“Many people with disabilities have made an enormous impact and often dedicated their entire lives to the fight for our rights and justice. Today, these rights are protected by the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. It’s now our responsibility to continue believing in the Convention and to make sure every person with a disability can feel its impact in their everyday life.”
Learning from Success Stories
Participants of the LEADERKA School had the opportunity to learn about the history of the European Union, gain insight into the functions of its institutions, and immerse themselves in the spirit of a united Europe during a visit to the Parlamentarium, the official visitors’ center of the European Parliament.
Тіллі Метц, депутатка від політичної групи Зелених / Європейського вільного альянсу
As part of their visit to the European Parliament, the participants met with Tilly Metz, Member of the European Parliament from the Greens/European Free Alliance group. She highlighted the importance of having representatives with disabilities in the European Parliament and emphasized:
“Politicians should not just talk about problems — they should be part of the communities they represent.”
Inspiring Speakers and Practical Training
Throughout the LEADERKA School, participants had the opportunity to engage with leading experts and gain valuable knowledge from their experiences in political, human rights, and advocacy work:
- Katrin Langensiepen – Member of the European Parliament from Germany (Alliance 90/The Greens), the first person elected to the European Parliament with visible disability.
- Oleksandra Matviichuk – Ukrainian human rights defender, Head of the Center for Civil Liberties, and 2022 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate.
- Olha Aivazovska – Ukrainian civic leader and Chair of the Board at Civil Network OPORA.
- Stéphanie Lange – Belgian lawyer and politician (Engagés party), the first MP with a disability in Belgium.
- Irene Ceccanti – Human rights and international relations expert at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations.
- Sofia Grünwald – Political Officer in the Ukraine Service at the same Directorate-General.
- Antonella Candia – Policy expert at the European Network on Independent Living (ENIL).
- Jana Degrott – Politician and activist from Luxembourg, co-founder of We Belong Europe, encouraged participants to boldly defend the rights of people with disabilities and stand firm in their convictions.
Participants also worked with Maryna Hovorukhina, a strategic communications expert, to develop powerful advocacy messages and visualize their future as change-makers.
In a session led by Nikola Ilić, an ethics lecturer in international relations and democratic leadership at Georgetown University, entrepreneur, and activist, participants explored leadership strategies, audience engagement, and how to achieve their goals and inspire change.
Believing in Their Potential
One creative task injected excitement into the program: participants were challenged to develop a mock election campaign, approach strangers near the European Parliament, and earn their support. This hands-on exercise boosted participants’ confidence and communication skills.
Following several days of intensive training, participants reflected on their growth, stating that the LEADERKA School empowered them to believe in their ability to change systems in their home countries. This experience supports the School’s mission: to nurture women with disabilities as political leaders, rights advocates, and community mobilizers.
In final sessions, the group worked with Maryna Hovorukhina to create personal action plans for their return home. They explored how to unite local disability communities, implement advocacy initiatives, and identify effective strategies for varying contexts during the EU accession proccess.
As participant Oleksandra powerfully stated:
“Rights, accessibility, and representation” must be at the heart of every political decision.
Her call echoed throughout the room, reaffirming the importance of including disability in every nation-building process.
Celebrating Achievements and Looking Ahead
At a special networking dinner marking the conclusion of the LEADERKA School, participants were congratulated by distinguished guests, including:
- Elke Van den Brandt, Minister of Mobility for the Brussels-Capital Region
- Višnja Bakanović, Regional Gender and Good Governance Specialist, UN Women
- Stefanie Dannenmann-Di Palma, External Relations Officer, UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR)
- Marija Jasenovska, Humanitarian Policy Officer, European Disability Forum (EDF)
- Tamara Makoni, Global Inclusivity and Culture Specialist, CEO of Kazuri Consulting
- Sandra Juvara Melone, CEO of Zancora Consulting, expert in peacebuilding, crisis management, and gender equality
- Joanna Maycock, Co-founder of Flamingo Collective, feminist leadership expert and former civil society leader
What’s Next?
The most active participants of the LEADERKA School will have the opportunity to intern at international organizations (details forthcoming). Additionally, Fight For Right and ENIL will provide ongoing mentorship and support to graduates as they expand their advocacy efforts.
The LEADERKA School is more than a training—it is a community, a movement, and a catalyst for lasting change. Participants left with a new sense of empowerment, strengthened networks, and the belief that they can lead transformative change in their countries.
As Nadia Haddad expressed in her closing remarks:
“I hope that for you, the School is just the beginning. In ten years, I want to see you leading at the local, national, or international levels. You can make a difference—and remember, it all started here.”
About the LEADERKA School
The LEADERKA School of Political Participation was founded in 2019 by the Ukrainian organization Fight For Right to empower girls and women with disabilities. The School equips them with tools for political participation and encourages their active involvement in public and political life.
We can do anything. Are you with us?
This School was organized with the support of the European Youth Foundation of the Council of Europe.
Additional support was provided by Kvinna till Kvinna and Choose Love.
