How the Women’s Network is strengthening player unions in Asia/Oceania

Strong networks are essential to a thriving player union movement. Across Asia and Oceania region, women working in player associations are contributing to the growth of the game in a variety of roles – from player services and advocacy to governance and leadership.

To further strengthen those connections, FIFPRO Asia/Oceania last year launched the Women’s Network: a dedicated space for women working across player unions in the region to connect, exchange experiences and support one another.

More than just a networking platform, the Women’s Network has become a confidential, supportive and action-oriented community where women across cultures, roles and professional backgrounds can share ideas and experiences from their leadership pathways within football’s union landscape.

"The women's network is a one-of-a-kind experience to engage in conversations with women working in the football union movement from different parts of the world," said Anisha Chavan, Women's Football executive of Football Players Association India. "It has created a safe and empowering space where we can voice our perspectives, support one another, and learn collectively."

Creating real impact for women in unions

The initiative was created with a clear purpose: to ensure FIFPRO Asia/Oceania is able to continue to support women across the network in meaningful and practical ways, expanding opportunities for engagement and leadership. Through the Women’s Network, participants engage in honest conversations about leadership, career progression and the practical challenges of working within the football ecosystem.

Guest speakers and experienced leaders contribute to these conversations, including figures such as former Australia international and Kate Gill – former Matilda, co-president of the Professional Footballers Australia and FIFPRO board member – who has shared insights on navigating leadership and gender bias in football.

Women from different unions can share strategies for navigating professional challenges, exchange ideas about union development and build relationships with colleagues across the Asia/Oceania region.

“Being part of the Women’s Network has been a meaningful experience, given me the chance to connect with colleagues from other PFAs in Asia and learn from women who are working in football in different contexts,” said Hanani Husin of PFA Malaysia.

“It also creates a safe and respectful space where we can openly share ideas, experiences and challenges.”

Looking ahead

Following the success of its first year, the Women’s Network will continue to evolve through feedback from participants. Plans are already underway for further development, ensuring the initiative remains responsive to the needs of those involved.

“This type of network is important because working in football can still be challenging for women in a male-dominated industry. There are times when women may feel that their voices are not always heard and, through this network, we can support each other, share experiences and learn how to navigate these challenges,” said Husin. 

“For me personally, it has helped me grow within PFAM and given me more confidence to contribute and take on leadership as a woman in football industry.”

The model is also set to expand beyond Asia/Oceania, with plans to launch a similar initiative within FIFPRO Africa. This will create opportunities for cross-divisional learning and strengthen solidarity between women working in player unions around the world.

“From a union perspective, it has offered valuable insight into the work being done globally, allowing us to learn, adapt and strengthen our own efforts,” said Chavan. “It has been an incredibly powerful learning and growth experience.”

As football’s union movement continues to grow, initiatives like the Women’s Network are helping ensure that women’s voices, leadership and experiences play a central role in shaping its future.

Recurring members

Samar Al-Attar (QPA); Anisha Chavan (FPA India); 
Erin Clout (PFA Australia); Anna Green (New Zealand);
Yolanda Krismonica and Gotcha Michel (APPI Indonesia);
Hanani Azren, Alisa Farhana and Nur Syazwani Sazali (PFA Malaysia);
FIFPRO Asia/Oceania Secretary General Shoko Tsuji and FIFPRO Head of EDI Erica Puppo