Women Leading Forward 2026
Regional Dialogue & Women’s Sports Festival
Regional Dialogue & Women’s Sports Festival
AUSC Region 5
About the
initiative
Women Leading Forward 2026 is a high-level regional platform convened by AUSC Region 5 to strengthen women’s leadership, governance and participation in sport.
The initiative moves beyond celebration and symbolism.
It is designed to drive structural reform, regional alignment and measurable impact.
Southern Africa is not following global trends.
It is setting regional standards.
Regional Dialogue & Women’s Sports Festival
AUSC Region 5
OVERVIEW
Women Leading Forward 2026 is a high-level regional platform convened by AUSC Region 5 to advance women’s leadership, governance, and participation in sport across Southern Africa.
The initiative combines strategic dialogue with practical activation — bringing together policymakers, sports administrators, athletes, development partners, and corporate leaders.
This is not a symbolic celebration.
It is a structural intervention.
✽ ABOUT OUR
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
Strengthen women’s leadership in sport governance
Promote gender equity across Regional 5 sport systems
Create policy alignment among Member States
Facilitate corporate and development partnerships
Inspire the next generation of female leaders
EVENT STRUCTURE
09 March 2026
to commemorate and celebrate women
EXPECTED OUTCOME:
Adoption of a Regional Commitment Framework on Women’s Leadership in Sport.
FORMAT:
- Opening Ceremony
- Ministerial & Executive Panel
- Governance Roundtable
- Policy & Institutional Reform Session
- Corporate & Development Partner Engagement
THEMES:
- Women in Sport Governance
- Financing Women’s Sport
- Safeguarding & Inclusion
- Regional Policy Alignment
- Commercialisation & Sustainability
13 March 2026
to promote physical activity and wellness for girls and women
OBJECTIVE:
Translate policy into visibility and participation.
FORMAT:
- Multi-sport exhibition and participation
- Youth engagement activities
- Athlete recognition moments
- Community activation
- Media coverage & live storytelling
EXPECTED OUTCOMES:
- Regional Positioning of AUSC Region 5 as continental leader
- Increased female representation in sport structures
- Strengthened policy framework across Member States
- Corporate sponsorship activation
- Sustainable annual leadership platform
✽ ABOUT OUR EVENT PARTNERS
PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Women Leading Forward 2026 offers structured sponsorship tiers:
i
Title Partner
Strategic Partner
Institutional Partner
Media Partner
Development Partner
PARTNERS GAIN
- Brand visibility at regional level
- Policy-level association
- Direct engagement with leadership
- ESG alignment opportunity
- Long-term regional positioning
WHY THIS MATTERS
- Southern Africa has talent.
- Southern Africa has ambition.
- Now it must consolidate leadership.
- Women Leading Forward 2026 represents a shift from inclusion rhetoric to governance transformation.
- AUSC Region 5 is not observing global standards.
It is shaping them.