A fully online educational initiative from the AFC’s Academic Centre of Excellence (ACE), the AEWFP explores the diverse roles that women play in shaping the industry and reinforces the AFC’s steadfast commitment to their advancement.

The first edition will feature 47 participants, comprising leaders from the AFC’s Member Associations (MAs), Regional Associations (RAs) and other football stakeholders, as they devote the next six months to exploring the impact of women on football and understanding the importance of diversity, inclusion and gender equity in the development of their respective organisations as well as the game as a whole.

The landmark programme, first announced in January, will equip participants with fundamental insights and skills to navigate the ever-changing football ecosystem and find solutions to overcoming industry-related business barriers through ethical, strategic and collaborative approaches.

AFC Deputy General Secretary – Member Associations, Vahid Kardany, said in his welcome speech: “The AEWFP is a landmark initiative that enables its participants to comprehend how women have influenced the modern game in all its aspects and in doing so, recognise and honour their enduring legacy.

“The AEWFP aligns with the AFC’s Vision of becoming the world’s leading confederation, and this is only possible by fully developing and strenghtening the capabilities of our MAs, RAs and the Asian football family.

“We hope participants fully grasp the creativity, thought-making processes and undertakings highlighted in the programme, and use their newfound knowledge to uplift their individual organisations, empower future generations to champion diversity, inclusion and gender equity and ultimately, drive the progress of Asian football.”

The AEWFP features seven proprietary modules delivered through theoretical perspectives, hands-on activities, real case studies, and practical examples. They cover key topics that include a historic overview of women in football, their strategic impact in leading organisational innovation and empowering women in executive leadership roles.

Upon completing the programme, participants will be able to apply their practical and theoretical expertise to address challenges faced by women in football business environments and bring about change, innovation and renewal to propel Continental football to new heights of excellence.

The AEWFP is the latest addition to the ACE portfolio, which aims to further strengthen the strategic planning capabilities of Asian football leaders. It joins other acclaimed ACE programmes that include the AFC Football Management Certificate, AFC Football Management Diploma, AFC Certificate in Football Leadership, the AFC Certificate in Child Safeguarding, the AFC Certificate in Football Administration and Management and the AFC Certificate in Strategy and Planning.

For more details on the AEWFP, please email academy@the-afc.com or visit www.afcacademy.com.