FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is Pathways to Politics for Women?
Pathways to Politics for Women is increasing the number of women in Australian politics by equipping diverse women to boldly embrace their political ambitions, thrive as leaders and make a profound contribution to society.
In the last eight years Pathways to Politics has helped hundreds of women to run for office, and achieved 34 electoral successes nationally across the political spectrum and at all levels of government.
Through comprehensive practical training, workshops, mentoring and career-long support, Pathways to Politics provides unparalleled expertise for women who are serious about driving change through political leadership.
The proudly non-partisan programs are uniquely designed in collaboration with eight leading universities across Australia, tailored to each local context. Participants gain first-hand insights from prominent politicians, advisors, speechwriters, and media trainers to give them confidence and clarity about their future in politics in a safe, supportive environment.
Programs are open to women across Australia. Program participation is fully funded through the generous support of philanthropic and university partners.
Note: Pathways to Politics embraces an inclusive definition of 'women', acknowledging the diversity of women we work with and aim to support, including cisgender and transgender women, and non-binary people.
Program background
Pathways to Politics for Women is an initiative of the Trawalla Foundation, Women’s Leadership Institute Australia and the University of Melbourne.
Inspired by the Harvard Kennedy School’s “From Harvard Square to the Oval Office” practicum, Pathways to Politics was initiated through the vision of Carol Schwartz AO, Chair of the Trawalla Foundation, who fundamentally believes in the value of more female leaders. For Carol this is about optimising outcomes for our country by ensuring that men and women together share power, leadership and decision making.
The foundational Pathways to Politics program launched at the University of Melbourne in 2016, followed by programs at QUT in 2019, UNSW in 2021, Charles Darwin University in 2022, the University of Adelaide and University of Canberra in 2023, and the University of Western Australian and University of Tasmania in 2024.
This network is led by the National Co-Convenors Sarah Buckley, CEO of the Trawalla Foundation, and Dr Meredith Martin, Director of the University of Melbourne’s Pathways to Politics program. Each state/territory program also receives strategic support and guidance from a local steering or advisory committee, drawing on the expertise of senior university representatives, politicians and Pathways alums.
Program impact
Since 2016, Pathways to Politics has helped more than 100 alums run for pre-selection and election. 34 electoral successes have been achieved nationally across the political spectrum and at all levels of government.
There are 450 alums nationally, with a projected 1000 alums by 2026.
* Accurate at the time of publishing. Visit pathwaystopolitics.org.au/about for current figures.
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Am I eligible to apply?
Pathways to Politics to Women programs are open to women across Australia. If you are not a resident of Victoria, please visit pathwaystopolitics.org.au to find the Pathways to Politics program in your state/territory.
Pathways to Politics embraces an inclusive definition of 'women', acknowledging the diversity of women we work with and aim to support, including cisgender and transgender women, and non-binary people.
To be eligible to apply, you do not need to be enrolled at the University of Melbourne, be a graduate of the University, or hold any tertiary or higher education qualifications.
There are specific eligibility requirements for the University of Melbourne program. We request that applicants confirm their eligibility at the beginning of their application to the program in response to the following criteria:
- Australian citizen/Australian permanent resident/holder of a permanent Humanitarian Visa.
- Current residency in Victoria.
- Identification as a woman (Pathways to Politics embraces an inclusive definition of 'women', acknowledging the diversity of women we work with and aim to support, including cisgender and transgender women, and non-binary people)
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Do I need to go to the University of Melbourne to apply?
To be eligible to apply for the program, you do not need to be enrolled at the University of Melbourne, be a graduate of the University, or hold any tertiary or higher education qualifications.
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How many participants will there be?
In 2024, the University of Melbourne program will accept approximately 25 participants.
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How are participants selected?
Participants are selected on a competitive basis. Our selection process actively works to minimise barriers to entering politics, and prioritises community and professional experience as well as commitment to running for office.
The selection criteria are as follows:
- Commitment to seeking elected office
- Professional and life experience
- Political engagement
- Ability to tell your story in a compelling way.
All applications are reviewed by a Selection Committee, which places a strong emphasis on multi-partisanship and equity in selection.
The program provides a safe space for women of diverse backgrounds, professions, cultures, and ideologies to fulfill their shared aspiration to pursue public office.
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When do applications open?
Applications are open until 1 May 2024. You can apply online here.
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When does the program run and what's involved?
The 2024 program will be delivered as a combination of face-to-face and online sessions between August-October 2024. Sessions are generally scheduled for after work hours and weekends. Planned module dates and times will be listed here when they are confirmed.
Sessions are delivered as a mix of workshops, presentations and practical exercises provided in a respectful and supported environment. For example, you will be given professional media training, write your own political stump speech with assistance from an expert political speechwriter, and will deliver your speech in parliament.
We understand that participants in the program may have care giving responsibilities or other commitments. We schedule dinner breaks into sessions, and it will not be a problem if small children need to be present during sessions delivered online.
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Do I have to attend every session of the program?
In accepting a place in Pathways to Politics, participants agree to attend at least 80% of program modules (or a minimum of 8 scheduled modules) in order to meet the hurdle requirement for completion.
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What costs are associated with the program?
The University of Melbourne program is generously supported by the Trawalla Foundation and the University of Melbourne and offered FREE to selected participants. Any flights, ground transfers, accommodation, and other fees associated with attending the program are not included. Meals will be provided during each in-person session (dietaries catered for on request).
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What is involved with the application?
Our application is comprised of four sections:
- Eligibility questions: These short questions help our Selection Committee to determine your eligibility for the program.
- Experience and political journey: These questions help us understand more about your political aspirations, experience, and your motivation and commitment to run for election. Free text questions have a word-limit of 250 words.
- Your ‘elevator pitch’: You will be required to upload a 90 second video. Tell us what issue(s) are important to you and what you would highlight about your values and life experience that might connect with voters and persuade them that if elected you would make a difference.
- CV: You will be required to upload your CV. Please ensure it is no longer than two pages and includes two referees.
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What mentorship is available?
Throughout the Pathways to Politics program you will meet a range of sitting and retired politicians and have the opportunity to ask about their first-hand experiences of navigating the challenges of political life through Q&A's and workshops.
Once you complete the Pathways to Politics program you will be eligible to apply for the Pathways Alum Mentoring program (PAM). PAM runs annually and is designed to empower and support our alums who are intending to run for office in the next five years. PAM runs for approximately eight months, with a minimum of four one-hour mentoring sessions.
Mentors from across the political spectrum are formally matched to alums to support their political aspirations by:
- Understanding the mentee’s political journey to date;
- Providing practical guidance around potential strategies to become elected;
- Providing a safe place for discussion without judgement;
- Challenging assumptions and preconceptions about how to succeed;
- Encouraging self-directed reflection, analysis and problem solving; and
- Acting as a trusted mentor that maintains alum confidence, motivation, and resilience in their pursuit of public office.