University presidents hail 'incredible' new 'women-only' scheme

Higher Education Minister Simon Harris with  Dr Orla Flynn, president of Atlantic Technological University; Dr Linda Doyle, provost at Trinity College Dublin; Professor Eeva Leinonen, president of Maynooth University; Professor Maggie Cusack, president of Munster Technological University and Professor Kerstin Mey, president of University of Limerick at an event on Monday to mark International Women's Day. Picture: Maxwells

The introduction of the controversial ‘women-only’ scheme set up to promote more gender diversity amongst university professors will make an impact on the leadership of Irish higher education.

That’s according to Professor Eeva Leinonen, president of Maynooth University and one of the first women to lead an Irish university.