The International World Games Association (IWGA) is proud to announce the return of the Women’s Leadership Programme (WLP) this October 2025, following the overwhelming success of its inaugural edition in November 2024.
In its second year, the programme will once again be delivered in partnership with Women Lead Sports, offering a unique opportunity for female leaders from IWGA member International Federations (IFs) to strengthen their leadership skills. This year, IFs were invited to nominate up to two participants each, and 44 participants* will be taking part in the 2025 edition.
The Women’s Leadership Programme reflects IWGA’s commitment to fostering greater gender equality in sport, ensuring more women are equipped to take on influential leadership roles within sports organisations worldwide.
IWGA Vice-President, Tom Dielen, who instigated this initiative said: “The response to the first edition of the Women’s Leadership Programme exceeded all expectations, proving how much potential there is among women leaders in our Federations. With this second edition, we are building on that momentum to give even more women the tools and confidence to take up leadership roles in sport. This is not just a programme – it is an investment in the future of our movement.”
The format will mirror the highly engaging structure of the first course, with weekly interactive online workshops led by internationally recognised coach Gabriela Mueller Mendoza. The agenda will once again cover essential topics including strategic decision-making, communication, personal influence, and stakeholder management—providing participants with practical tools to lead effectively in complex governance environments.
The 2024 WLP welcomed 22 participants from across IWGA’s member federations and was widely praised for its impact.
Tug of War International Federation (TWIF) Secretary General, Maaike Hornstra, who took part in the 2024 course said: “I was honoured to follow the Women’s Leadership Programme while it gave me tips and advise how to take up my position in the board to a higher level. Another important lesson was how to promote myself on social media. I love my duty as Secretary General and I just do my work with passion, but I do not make any advertisement on my duty. Social media is very important nowadays. Publishing regular updates or events etc is key.
Most of all I liked the contacts and intervention with the other women in the course and hear about their experiences. These contact are valuable for online contact but also when we meet in person at (sport) events, like in Chengdu during The World Games. It is easier to ask advise or discuss questions with other female board members when you know each other”
International Aikido Federation (IAF) Gender Balance Working Group Chairperson, Satomi Ishikawa, also shared her experience: “The Women Lead Sports programme equipped me with practical tools to grow as a leader in sport and the confidence to take initiative. The inspiring stories of senior women reminded me that we are part of a strong, supportive global community creating change together.”
International Korfball Federation(IKF) Secretary General & CEO, Joana Faria, commented: “The IWGA Women’s Leadership Programme was an inspiring experience that allowed me to connect, grow, and discover new perspectives on leadership while feeling part of a supportive community in sport"
2025 Particpants* include representatives from the following organisations:
· International Aikido Federation
· International Federation of American Football
· International Federation of Muaythai
· International Federation of Sport Climbing
· International Federation of Sports Chiropractic
· International Fistball Association
· International Floorball Federation
· International Gymnastics Federation
· International Hockey Federation
· International Korfball Federation
· International Orienteering Federation
· International Powerlifting Federation
· International SAMBO Federation
· International Sumo Federation
· International Waterski and Wakeboard Federation
· IWGA Athletes Committee
· IWGA Staff
· Ju-Jitsu International Federation
· Tug of War International Federation
· World Air Sports Federation
· World Archery Federation
· World Association of Kickboxing Organisations
· World Baseball Softball Confederation
· World Confederation of Billiards Sports
· World DanceSport Federation
· World Flying Disc Federation
· World Karate Federation
· World Lacrosse
· World Squash
· World Underwater Federation