Passionate about levelling the playing field, Ashleigh Cox (Head of Women’s Football, OFC) and Louisa Simmons (Women’s Development Officer, Fiji Football Association) represented Oceania at FIFA’s Women in Football Leadership Programme, a global platform for women shaping the sport.
Hosted over four days at the Home of FIFA and the FIFA Museum in Zurich, Switzerland, bringing together leaders from all six confederations. The programme aimed to increase the representation of women in football by upskilling participants, strengthening global networks, and improving access to leadership and decision-making roles.
For Louisa Simmons, the experience was surreal.
“Zurich was a dream! Never in my life did I imagine traveling to Europe and especially being able to step into the FIFA Headquarters in Zurich. From the difference in the weather, people, architecture, transport system — it was like I was in another world. Coming from a small island nation like Fiji, everything felt unreal. It was like I was in the movies!”
She added that the programme provided an empowering and supportive environment to learn and connect.
“It was very interesting to meet amazing women from other countries and national federations whom I now call my sisters and friends. Even though I was one of the youngest in the room, being surrounded by such positive role models from FIFA and other MAs helped me realise my potential as a young person in a leadership position.”
Simmons described the opportunity as life-changing, saying, “I was in tears when I found out I would be traveling to Zurich and Paris (next year) for this programme. This was the greatest testimony yet, and I’m very blessed to have been selected for this highly competitive programme. My family were overjoyed and proud.”
Cox described the programme as transformative for women in the game, particularly in Oceania.
“The FIFA Women in Football Leadership Programme is an invaluable opportunity for women to strengthen their leadership skills, expand their networks, and gain global perspective. For our region, where access to leadership pathways can often be limited, this type of programme helps accelerate development by equipping women with the confidence, knowledge, and tools to drive meaningful change in their local contexts.”
She also emphasised the importance of values-driven leadership.
“A key learning was the importance of leading with authenticity and clarity of purpose. Throughout the programme, it became clear that effective leadership isn’t about fitting a certain mould, it’s about understanding your values, building trust, and creating space for others to succeed.”
Cox highlighted the strength of the connections built during the workshop.
“It was incredibly energising and affirming to be surrounded by such a powerful group of women. The sense of unity and possibility that came from those conversations was truly inspiring.”
Their involvement sets the stage for greater regional collaboration, with aspirations to develop programmes that uplift more women in football across the Pacific.
Photo Credit: FIFA via Getty Images