The fourth edition of UEFA Women in Football Leadership Programme has been launched to give continuity to the Confederation's commitment to increase female representation in senior positions in football.

The week-long programme kicked-off yesterday 09 May at UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland, where representatives of European national football associations will be given coaching and guidance on the personal and professional qualities needed for management positions

In addition to the week-long session, the participants will benefit from a year-long mentor scheme designed to inspire women to continue their development towards prominent leadership positions in football organisations.

Attendees come from all across Europe and from various areas of the game. The sessions at UEFA headquarters will include speeches and a panel discussion involving Eleanor Tabi Haller-Jordan, president and CEO of The Paradigm Forum, Kieran Finn, international vice-president of human resources at PAREXEL, and Martin Kallen, CEO of UEFA Events SA.

Building on the success of UEFA women's leadership programme similar campaigns have been adopted at domestic level. The Irish Football Association launched in 2013 their Female Football Leaders Programme to ensure that more women in Northern Ireland become involved in football leadership positions.

"Women remain very much in the minority in leadership positions in football and the IFA Female Football Leaders Programme aims to change this situation" said Niamh Shiells, director, advance coaching and course tutor.