New pathways for aspiring women politicians

The Pathways to Politics Program for Women has announced a new program in South Australia to lift gender equality and diversity in Australian politics.

The inaugural South Australian program will run in partnership with the University of Adelaide in 2023.

Pathways to Politics is a non-partisan initiative that equips women across the political spectrum with the skills, knowledge, confidence and networks they need to run for elected office and thrive as political leaders.

The University of Adelaide’s Professor John Williams, Executive Dean, Faculty of Arts, Business, Law and Economics welcomed the new Pathways to Politics Program for Women at the University.

“The Pathways to Politics Program for Women will give people from diverse backgrounds greater opportunities to represent their communities.

“The University of Adelaide is excited to support women to enter Australian politics by equipping them with the skills they will need to succeed in a demanding but highly rewarding career.”

Pathways to Politics has realised significant impact in advancing female political participation since its launched in 2016, with at least 25 electoral successes achieved nationally across the political spectrum at local, state and federal levels of government. The majority of alumnae intend to run for elected office within ten years.

An inaugural program has also been announced in ACT at the University of Canberra. The new programs complement existing ones around Australia at the University of Melbourne, QUT, UNSW and Charles Darwin University.

“The Pathways to Politics Program for Women will give people from diverse backgrounds greater opportunities to represent their communities."Professor John Williams, Executive Dean, Faculty of Arts, Business, Law and Economics

Pathways to Politics was founded at the University of Melbourne and was initiated through the vision of Carol Schwartz AO, Chair of the Trawalla Foundation, who fundamentally believes in the value of more female leaders.

“We are delighted to have the University of Canberra and University of Adelaide join our partnership. Bringing the Pathways to Politics Program for Women to the ACT and South Australia is an important milestone in the growth of Pathways nationally,” Ms Schwartz said.

“We are excited about the expertise and insights these respective universities will bring – both in terms of delivering high quality programs for women in their state or territory and contributing to the national network to change the face of politics in Australia.”

Applications for the 2023 Pathways to Politics Program for Women open in early 2023. Prospective applicants can find further information and place an expression of interest at https://pathwaystopolitics.org.au/about.