In the month of International Women’s Day, ASOIF’s annual Women Leadership Programme got off to a strong start on 10 March 2026. This year’s virtual programme runs over five weeks and brings together 40 women from 27 Summer Olympic International Federations. It includes live group teaching sessions as well as a practical project designed to help participants apply the key learnings in a real-world context.
Leading with purpose
Sabrina Ibáñez, Chair of the ASOIF Diversity and Gender Equality Commission (ADGEC) and Secretary General of the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), highlighted:
Leadership in sport should reflect the diversity of the communities it serves. Developing women leaders is not just about equality and equity, it’s about unlocking potential, inspiring confidence and equipping talented professionals with the skills to lead with purpose and shape the next chapter of sport.
The programme is delivered by leadership trainers from EqualCareers, building on their successful facilitation of last year’s ASOIF Women Leadership Workshop. It aims to equip emerging women leaders – particularly Olympians, newly elected board members and federation staff – with the confidence, political intelligence, emotional resilience and strategic tools required to thrive in elected and decision-making roles in international sport.
This initiative contributes to achieving several strategic objectives of ASOIF’s new strategy, in particular when it comes to upholding high IF governance standards, facilitating knowledge exchange and adding value to member federations through joint initiatives.
Participants are divided into two groups, with sessions focusing on key topics such as leadership concepts, the role of digital technologies like AI, campaigning strategies, narrative development and power centres in sport.
Learning and sharing experiences
Kate Christowitz OLY (left)
Olympian and South African rower Kate Christowitz OLY, who competed at Rio 2016 and is now Chair of South Africa Rowing Athletes’ Commission, explained her motivation to join this year’s edition:
After competing internationally as an Olympic rower and now working in leadership roles within rowing in South Africa, I am always looking for ways to grow and strengthen my leadership skills. Programmes like this provide a valuable opportunity to learn from others, build confidence and develop the tools needed to create strong systems that support athletes and help them reach their full potential.
After completing the workshop, participants will be invited to continue engaging with one another through a dedicated alumni platform.
New members join the Commission
The ASOIF Diversity and Gender Equality Commission (ADGEC), which initiated and oversees the programme, also convened on 10 March and welcomed three new members with valuable expertise in this important area: Clare Barrell, Director of International Relations, Investment & Member Service at World Rugby; Raul Calin, Secretary General of World Archery; and Anna Manuelian, Head of International Affairs and Communications at FIVB.