The six-month online initiative, which explores the far-reaching contributions of women in various roles across football, will enable its 33 participants to better understand the global football environment, promote gender diversity, equity and inclusion as well as lay out ethical, strategic and collaborative approaches that look to overcome industry-related barriers.

Comprising leaders from the AFC’s Member Associations (MAs), Regional Associations (RAs) and other football stakeholders, these participants will dive deep into the ways that women, both from a historical perspective and in today’s modern game, have impacted key areas that include business strategy, advocacy, brand transformation and executive leadership.

In his welcome speech, AFC Deputy General Secretary – Member Associations, Vahid Kardany, said: “This milestone programme lays the foundation to strengthen advocacy and influence, as women’s football continues to represent a growing opportunity to champion development and innovation, and bring about organisational and commercial impact, both on and off the pitch.

“The AEWFP not only guides you on how to best achieve these objectives, but also equips you with practical, hands-on leadership competencies. You will be able 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, among others.”

The AEWFP comprises seven specially-crafted modules that aim to enhance participants’ knowledge and skills in key areas that will allow them to implement positive change, innovation and renewal to uplift the Continental game.

These modules include the strategic impact of women in football business environments and overcoming obstacles in these areas, how women lead diplomacy, advocacy and brand transformation; ethics, integrity and governance in business; and empowering women in executive leadership roles.

The programme combines theoretical insights, practical activities and real-world case studies to arm participants with the processes and tools required to make informed decisions that keep to the industry’s best practices, bring about tangible results and strengthen the role and influence of women in football’s global development.

The AEWFP, which celebrated its first graduating batch in October 2025, joins other offerings from the AFC Academic Centre of Excellence (ACE) launched to boost the capabilities of Asian football leaders. It takes its place among landmark programmes that include 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.

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