Through the introduction of various initiatives for its 47 Member Associations, the growth of women’s football has witnessed impressive results. Since 2007, the participation of Member Associations in the qualifiers of the AFC U-16 and AFC U-19 Women’s Championships have increased by 70 per cent and 63 per cent respectively.

Kashuba enjoyed a notable playing career for Kyrgyz Republic and after hanging up her boots, she is now striving to make a difference in the sport as the women’s football manager in her country.

Respected by her peers and looked up to by young female footballers, Kashuba rose through the ranks by representing her national team in the U-16 and U-19 women’s competitions before playing at the club level in Kyrgyz Republic.

She looks back fondly at how she started playing football and the memories serve as a reminder of how important her current position is.

The Declaration has been drawn up by international social enterprise, Association Football Development Programme (AFDP Global), which is founded by HRH Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein.

The AFC is dedicated and will continue to provide a safe environment for women and girls to participate in football – on and off the pitch – without any exploitation or harassment.

By signing the declaration, the AFC reiterates its pledge to adhere to its key principles which include adopting a clear standard safeguarding code and instituting educational programmes, implementing whistleblowing and reporting mechanisms, enforcement of policies through serious sanctions and supporting affected individuals.

Dato’ Windsor John, the AFC General Secretary, said: “We are fully committed to providing a safe environment for everyone who plays football and at our AFC Executive meeting in Muscat in November last year we agreed to review our rules and regulations as well as Statutes in this area. That important work is on-going, and a report should go to our relevant committees in the next few months.”

AFDP Global is a social enterprise that funds, supports and partners with organisations to unite and transform communities through football.

The assessment began on May 3 and was facilitated by AFC Head of Women's Football Bai Lili who, alongside Macau FA Head of Women's Football Zhang Hong and technical staff visited Our Lady of Fatima Girls' School, which became the first school to introduce girls football early this year.

Showcasing the various career paths available for women in football, Sapna Rani talks passionately about her devotion and hard work to enter and stay in the game:

“I started as a volunteer and then became the first female referee in Delhi," said Rani. "With a lot of training I got slip disk, but I didn’t want to leave football. It was a dream for me to work for the AIFF and now I am the Women’s Football Manager.”

The video, the latest from the series to be shared via AFC's social media channels, highlights the work of Ms. Pelden, who serves as an example of the important role played by women in football throughout the Continent.

In the video, filmed at AFC House in Kuala Lumpur, Pelden said: "To break the stereotype, one must stand out. I am not a footballer but I am part of football because I work in it.

"I am the only girl working alongside six men but I am still doing it because I love my job. It actually makes me feel empowered."

Pelden's appearance is the latest installment in a series of features which has been viewed in excess of a quarter of a million times, and featured a diverse range of women trailblazers ranging from Asia's elite female players to technical and administrative staff, all of whom have defied the odds to reach the top of their profession.

These inspiring women play key roles, not only in their current positions, but in encouraging girls across Asia to see football as a viable career option.

In addition to Ms. Pelden's achievements, the involvement of women in Bhutanese football is also growing on the pitch, with the women's national team having participated in the past four editions of the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Women's Championship.

In the newly released video, the latest in a campaign which shines the spotlight on inspiring women working in Asian football, Taheri reveals the sacrifices she made in order to reach the top of her field.

The former international midfielder said: "When I was a player, I was struggling, because I wanted to have a national team and I wanted to play games. I couldn't have that opportunity when I was playing. That was only a dream. To achieve my dream, I had to move."

Since its launch on March 8, the AFC's “It's My Game series” has been viewed over a quarter of a million times, and featured women trendsetters ranging from world class international players to technical staff and administrators, all of whom have overcome obstacles to pursue careers in football.