ASOIF’s Women Leadership Workshop sparks professional growth and meaningful connections

ASOIF’s Women Leadership Workshop took place on 20 and 21 October in Lausanne, Switzerland, which aims to further empower women leaders to serve in elective positions of their respective federation. The in-person programme tied in with the success of the previous four online editions and was held timely at the end of an Olympic cycle, with many elections on the horizon.

The 25 participants, most of them are graduates from the previous online programmes, received advanced training to further develop their leadership skills, enhance their communication and negotiation skills and learn about Do’s and Don’ts in electoral years. Facilitated by ASOIF, they also attended the opening of this year’s IF Forum, organised by SportAccord, which provided the opportunity to network, meet key decision-makers from the Olympic Movement and discuss trending topics.

Sabrina Ibáñez, Chair of the ASOIF Diversity and Gender Equality Consultative Group and Secretary General of the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), highlighted:

ASOIF’s Women Leadership programme has been a game changer in advancing female leadership in international sport. With over 250 graduates, many of whom have shattered barriers and risen to top leadership roles, this programme equips women with the tools and knowledge to authentically break through the glass ceiling and lead with confidence.

The in-person workshop represents the next crucial step in driving an even greater impact, offering participants the chance to learn from the real-world experiences of established leaders. It’s not only an invaluable opportunity for professional growth but also a platform for building meaningful connections with fellow women in sport and advocates for gender equality across the industry. These relationships will help foster a supportive network that amplifies their voices and strengthens their leadership journeys.

Professional coach Gabriela Muller (Women Lead Sports), who delivered the programme, said:

Over one and a half days, we engaged 25 high-calibre women leaders from various sport federations in a transformative learning experience. The engagement and progress demonstrated by these 25 global participants underscored the programme's effectiveness in fostering collaboration and driving measurable impact in today's complex sports ecosystem. We extend our appreciation to ASOIF's leadership for their invaluable support in facilitating this programme.

The participants in this most recent Workshop cover a wide spectrum of profiles, including Board members, Secretaries General of National Federations, Continental Associations and International Federations as well as active and retired athletes and coaches.

The programme’s ultimate objective is to help increase the number of women in leadership positions across the Olympic Movement.