In March, 40 federations’ representatives from different sports and continents participated in the 5th edition of ASOIF’s popular Women Leadership Programme which once again turned out a success.
It is the fifth consecutive year that ASOIF has been supporting female leadership development through the Women Lead Sports online programme, designed and delivered by international coach Gabriela Mueller. The aim is to empower potential female leaders to serve in elective positions of their respective International Federation, Continental Association or National Federation, thereby increasing the number of women in leadership positions across the Olympic Movement. This approach works - the past editions have spawned almost 200 successful graduates, of whom several achieved to win elections for leadership positions in sport.
Step into the challenge
Vicki Reid | ©Tennis Australia
“This course was a wonderful reminder to flex the strengths that lie within us and give time to areas of development. Don’t wait for a perfect moment to lead, step into the challenge with courage,” concluded this year’s graduate Vicki Reid, who has been elected as President of the Oceania Tennis Federation on 6 April. She becomes not only the first women to lead the organisation but also the first female president of any International Tennis Federation Regional Association globally.
Shaping a more inclusive and equitable future
Within ASOIF, the initiative is led by the Diversity and Gender Equality Consultative Group, chaired by Sabrina Ibáñez, Secretary General of the International Equestrian Federation and APSO President, who said: "I am proud of the Women Lead Sports programme, which empowers women and their male allies with the tools and confidence to reach their highest leadership aspirations.”
She added: “The programme not only equips participants with essential leadership skills but also contributes to advancing gender balance within the current culture of sports leadership. For the 2025 cohort, their journey is just beginning. With the skills they’ve gained, I am confident they will play a key role in shaping a more inclusive and equitable future in sports governance."
Staying aligned with current trends
In an ever-evolving environment, and with the Olympic Movement currently undergoing leadership changes in key positions, the programme constantly adapts as Gabriela Mueller highlighted: “We are culturally agile, and our strategies evolve with the times. Our content is continuously updated to stay aligned with current trends and the shifting needs of both emerging and established federations.”
“Importantly, our content goes far beyond academics or formal education. Our methodology equips women to tackle real-world leadership challenges in sport - like navigating electoral processes, winning political campaigns, securing strategic sponsorships, and managing change. These are critical areas.”
Empowering leadership development
Elena Allen | ©Team GB
Elena Allen, Member of the International Shooting Sport Federation Executive Committee and also a participant in the 2025 edition, concluded: "The promotion of gender equality in sports is a vital step towards the future. The programme has helped empower my leadership development for the benefit of the Shooting sport."
Tangible results
ASOIF Executive Director James Carr explained the rational behind these continued efforts: “The programme has shown tangible results throughout the past five years. There is no doubt sport needs more women leaders and we believe the course is one important means towards achieving this goal. In addition, it’s our shared responsibility to provide an environment and a culture in which the next generation of sports leaders, men and women from diverse backgrounds, can thrive. This is one of the fundamental elements of good governance.”