In an exciting new initiative, the International World Games Association (IWGA) has partnered with Women Lead Sports to introduce the Women’s Leadership Programme (Women Lead Sports – Master Program™), designed to equip women from member International Federations with fundamental management skills. Agata Plechan, the Chair of the IFF Athletes’ Commission was nominated for the programme and now we get to hear how it has been going.
— This opportunity is truly a game-changer, and I feel incredibly proud to be part of such a groundbreaking program aimed at empowering women to become leaders in sports, says Agata Plechan.
The selected participants, nominated by their respective IFs, undergo comprehensive training to refine their leadership abilities. With a strong focus on strategic planning, communication, and leadership, the programme seeks to foster a new generation of influential female leaders in the global sports community. The IWGA has placed a priority on this programme, underscoring its belief in the transformative power of female leadership and the importance of gender equality in sports. This initiative aims to elevate female participation in leadership roles within sports organisations, addressing the persistent gender imbalance at the top levels of sports governance.
— So far, this course has been nothing short of inspiring. It’s focused on helping women like me develop essential leadership skills, and I’ve been using my personal profile to work on areas like communication, confidence, negotiation, and more. The course is fully online, which means I get to connect with incredible women from all over the world. It’s been amazing to learn from others who share similar passions and challenges. The lessons are not just theory—they’re practical and hands-on, which has made learning feel real and impactful. I’m already seeing improvements in how I communicate and how I present myself as a leader, Plechan comments.
The programme is part of IWGA’s broader commitment to supporting its members and advancing the principles of inclusivity and equality. By empowering women to take up key leadership roles, the IWGA is not only bridging the gender gap but also creating a more balanced and effective governance structure within sports organisations it works with.
Programme format
The Women’s Leadership Programme will be offered through online interactive workshops, consisting of weekly two-hour sessions tailored to fit the diverse time zones of participants. The 22 selected participants will benefit from a personalised learning experience. The agenda will cover critical leadership topics such as electoral strategies, personal power and influence, communication skills, and stakeholder management.
Renowned coach Gabriela Mueller Mendoza will lead the programme, bringing with her over two decades of experience coaching leaders in sports and Fortune 500 companies. Her expertise will provide participants with the tools to navigate the often complex political landscapes within sports organisations, while fostering self-confidence and assertiveness in male-dominated environments.
— A huge highlight of this course has been working with Coach Gabriela. She is an amazing mentor, and her insights on leadership are priceless. With her guidance, I’m learning how to approach leadership in sports with more confidence and purpose. Our coaching sessions have been extremely valuable in helping me understand how to succeed as a woman in the sports world and how to lead effectively, says Plechan.
A step toward gender equality
This initiative, supported by the IWGA Executive Committee, reflects the growing awareness within the sports community of the need for more women in decision-making roles.
— As I continue this journey with the Women Lead Sports – Master Program™, I’m excited to keep developing the skills I need to make a positive impact in the sports community. This program is not just helping me grow as a leader; it’s also inspiring me to work towards creating more opportunities for women in sports leadership roles, says Plechan and continues:
— This is just the beginning, and I’m looking forward to what comes next. I believe that the lessons I’m learning now will shape my future and help me inspire others to follow their dreams in sports, just as I’m doing now.
The Women’s Leadership Programme will be delivered online in November 2024, with plans for a second edition in 2025.
More information on the Women’s Leadership Programme on IWGA website
