Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) launched the inaugural iteration of the AFC Empowering Women in Football Programme (AEWFP) on Monday. 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.

According to Qatar News Agency, the first edition will feature 47 participants, comprising leaders from the AFC's Member Associations (MAs), Regional Associations (RAs), and other football stakeholders. These participants will 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. 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.