The Women Leadership Workshop 2025 of the Association of Summer Olympic International Federations –ASOIF– concludes today in Lausanne, after three days dedicated to strengthening women’s leadership in international sport. More than 40 women from summer and winter Olympic International Federations took part in this edition, designed to prepare emerging leaders to take on decision-making responsibilities within the Olympic Movement.
The programme focuses on developing essential governance skills such as confidence, political intelligence, emotional resilience and strategic thinking. It targets Olympians, newly elected board members and federation staff, serving as a platform to increase women’s presence in leadership positions across global sport.
Empowering women’s leadership in Olympic sport
Over three days, participants worked with leadership experts from EqualCareers, which designed a practical and collaborative format addressing management and decision-making challenges. The workshop took place alongside the International Federation Forum -IF Forum 2025-, allowing participants to connect with sports leaders and key figures from the wider Olympic ecosystem gathered in Lausanne.
The initiative is supported by the International Olympic Committee -IOC- and forms part of ASOIF’s gender equality strategy launched in 2020. This in-person programme builds on the success of five previous online leadership webinars organised by ASOIF, which have already brought together more than one hundred women leaders from across Olympic sports.
“Real change begins when we invest in people”
Sabrina Ibáñez, Chair of the ASOIF Diversity and Gender Equality Consultative Group and Secretary General of the International Equestrian Federation -FEI-, highlighted the importance of the initiative: “Real change begins when we invest in people. This workshop, dedicated to empowering women in sport, is a catalyst for transformation; inspiring confidence, resilience, and leadership.” She underlined that women’s leadership should be seen as a driver of structural change across the global sports landscape.
After the workshop, participants will receive materials and resources to support their professional development. They will also continue to meet in monthly peer huddles —support groups designed to foster exchange and mutual support— as they progress in their careers within international federations.
Gender equality and good governance in the Olympic Movement
The Women Leadership Workshop is part of the Olympic Movement’s ongoing efforts to achieve balanced representation in leadership and decision-making roles. In a context where women remain underrepresented in many sports organisations, ASOIF continues to play a leading role in promoting training programmes that connect female talent with international sports governance.
The 2025 edition concludes today in Lausanne, reinforcing a growing network of women leaders ready to influence decision-making and contribute to a more equitable future for world sport.
