Changing the face of politics in South Australia

A new program offered by the University of Adelaide to encourage more South Australian women to enter politics has been officially launched.

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

An initiative of the Trawalla Foundation, Women’s Leadership Institute Australia, and the University of Melbourne, the University of Adelaide’s program is part of a national partnership that seeks to address the underrepresentation of women in Australian politics.

Aditi Mohan is among the first 16 South Australian women to participate in the inaugural program, which runs from August to October.

“I’m excited to be part of the Pathways to Politics Program for Women, which will give me the knowledge and confidence to pursue a career in politics and be part of this diverse network of highly motivated women who are dedicated to making a difference,” she said.

The program consists of 10 sessions and brings together significant expertise from across Australia’s political spectrum, providing participants with networking opportunities and practical training with an emphasis on good governance, ethics, and leadership.

“Participants like Aditi will get the unique opportunity to learn from political experts about a range of topics including political vision, campaign planning, media training, speechwriting and leadership skills,” said the University of Adelaide’s Dr Anna Olijnyk, who is the director of the program.

University of Adelaide’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (External Engagement) Dr Jessica Gallagher said the University of Adelaide was proud to offer this program and has long been a leader in this space.

“The University of Adelaide was the first university in Australia to admit women to all degree courses on an equal basis to men and now we’re leading the way again by offering the Pathways to Politics Program for Women to South Australian women for the first time.

“We are excited to give women and non-binary people a greater opportunity to pursue a successful career in politics – an area where they are often underrepresented.”

“I’m excited to be part of the Pathways to Politics Program for Women, which will give me the knowledge and confidence to pursue a career in politics and be part of this diverse network of highly motivated women who are dedicated to making a difference."Aditi Mohan, participant in the University of Adelaide's Pathways to Politics program.

Labor Deputy Premier of South Australia Susan Close, SA Liberal vice-president Leah Grantham, Greens Federal Senator Sarah Hanson-Young, and SA Best member of the South Australian Legislative Council Connie Bonaros are members of the South Australian steering committee.

Dr Close said there is an undersupply of women in public office and equal representation in politics was essential for good governance.

“Government is stronger with greater diversity, and it is imperative that we provide more women with more opportunities to enter politics and have their voices heard.

“The Pathways to Politics Program for Women gives women the confidence to run for office and succeed, creating greater diversity in our parliaments.”

Mrs Grantham said the program is a wonderful opportunity to collaborate with other women involved in politics. 

‘I’m really pleased to be involved in this program which is taking practical steps to equip women with the support and tools they need to succeed in politics,” she said.

“Our steering group come from across the political spectrum and from state and national level, and we are united in supporting other women to pursue this career.”

The Pathways to Politics Program for Women 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 bring the Pathways to Politics Program for Women to South Australia through the University of Adelaide to help change the face of politics in Australia,” she said.

For more information or to register your interest in next year’s program, please click here.