AFC Launches Women in Football Leadership Program

Inaugural six-month initiative aims to drive gender equity and innovation across Asian football.

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has officially launched the first edition of its groundbreaking Empowering Women in Football Programme (AEWFP), a fully online initiative aimed at boosting the role of women in shaping the future of football across Asia.

Run through the AFC’s Academic Centre of Excellence (ACE), the six-month programme brings together 47 participants from Member Associations (MAs), Regional Associations (RAs), and football stakeholders across the continent. Participants will explore women’s contributions to football, tackle challenges related to gender equity, and develop leadership skills essential for navigating the sport’s dynamic landscape.

AFC Deputy General Secretary – Member Associations, Vahid Kardany, called the AEWFP a “landmark initiative” and emphasized its alignment with the AFC’s long-term vision.

“This programme enables participants to comprehend how women have influenced the modern game in all its aspects and in doing so, recognise and honour their enduring legacy,” said Kardany. “We hope participants use their newfound knowledge to uplift their organisations and empower future generations.”

The AEWFP comprises seven modules combining theory, case studies, and practical exercises. Topics range from a historical overview of women in football to strategies for increasing female representation in executive leadership roles.

Beyond individual development, the AEWFP is designed to foster strategic thinking and innovation, equipping participants with tools to overcome systemic challenges and drive progress in their home federations.

The programme joins a growing portfolio of ACE initiatives, including the AFC Football Management Certificate and the AFC Certificate in Strategy and Planning, all geared toward elevating leadership capacity within Asian football.

By investing in women’s leadership, the AFC is not only reinforcing its commitment to inclusion but also laying the groundwork for a more diverse, dynamic, and competitive football ecosystem across the continent.