Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has launched the second edition of its pioneering AFC Empowering Women in Football Programme (AEWFP), reinforcing its commitment to advancing women’s leadership in the sport.
The six-month online initiative, which highlights the significant contributions of women across various roles in football, aims to equip its 33 participants with a deeper understanding of the global football landscape while promoting gender diversity, equity and inclusion.
Participants, drawn from the AFC’s Member Associations, Regional Associations and other key football stakeholders, will examine the historical and contemporary impact of women in areas such as business strategy, advocacy, brand transformation and executive leadership.
In his welcome address, AFC Deputy General Secretary for Member Associations Vahid Kardany said the programme lays a strong foundation for strengthening advocacy and influence as women’s football continues to grow as a platform for development, innovation and organisational impact both on and off the pitch.
“The AEWFP not only guides participants on achieving these objectives but also provides practical, hands-on leadership competencies,” Kardany said. “It enables them to better understand the evolution and strategic value of women in football, navigate industry barriers, and lead at the executive level to drive meaningful innovation and change.”
The programme features seven specially designed modules focused on enhancing knowledge and skills in critical areas, enabling participants to implement positive change, innovation and renewal across Asian football.
Key modules cover the strategic impact of women in football business environments and overcoming related obstacles; women’s leadership in diplomacy, advocacy and brand transformation; ethics, integrity and governance; and empowering women in executive roles.
Combining theoretical insights, practical activities and real-world case studies, the AEWFP arms participants with the tools and processes needed to make informed decisions aligned with best practices, deliver tangible results and enhance the role and influence of women in the global development of the game.
The initiative, whose first batch graduated in October 2025, forms part of the AFC Academic Centre of Excellence (ACE) offerings aimed at building the capabilities of Asian football leaders.
It joins other flagship programmes including the AFC Football Management Certificate, AFC Football Management Diploma, AFC Certificate in Football Leadership, AFC Club Management Programme, AFC Certificate in Football Administration and Management, AFC Certificate in Child Safeguarding, and the AFC Certificate in Strategy and Planning.
