Pathways to Politics for Women

“We need more women in government and in the ministry because women change the conversation. But you cannot be what you cannot see. That’s why the Pathways to Politics program is so important – it provides a window into the experience of those who have been politically successful."
- Dr Katie Allen, former Member for Higgins and successful program alum

“As a participant in the Pathways to Politics program, I can confidently say that it has been a transformative experience...Thanks to this program, I’ve acquired valuable knowledge, established meaningful connections, and developed the confidence to lead with courage.
- Sue-Anne Hunter, Wurundjeri and Ngurai Illum Wurrung woman, Yoorrook Justice Commissioner, and program alum

“As a participant in the first year of Pathways to Politics in 2016, I look back on the experience as being pivotal in shaping my political journey. One of the incredible ongoing benefits has been the network of extraordinary women it has created, many of whom I now work alongside in state parliament. It has opened connections between us across party lines, opening the door for greater collaboration – which can ultimately drive better outcomes for our community.”
- Dr Sarah Mansfield MP, MLC for Western Victoria and successful program alum

"The power of the program for me was normalising the idea of running. With the support and knowledge of like-minded women, I could focus on how to win."
- Cr Tina Samardzija, former Mayor of Monash City Council and successful program alum

“I hope all women know that they belong in politics, and that their involvement is not only important, but necessary, to shape the future of our country. It was wonderful to be a mentor in the Pathway to Politics program, and meet so many intelligent, capable, and passionate women. It is inspiring to know that these women are determined to continue to shake up the status quo of policy and legislation...As the youngest First Nations woman to be elected to Parliament, I hope that being a mentor in this program showed other young First Nations/Blak women that we belong in politics, just like all those before me did."
- Senator Jana Stewart, Mutthi Mutthi and Wamba Wamba, Labor Senator for Victoria

"It's critical that we have more women making decisions at all levels of government to take us to a stronger, more inclusive future. Pathways to Politics is a brilliant and clever program designed to equip women for election and build their networks so they can be the change makers we so urgently need."
- Helen Haines MP, Independent Federal Member for Indi

"Women are standing up and driving change around the world. From the #MeToo movement to action on climate change, women are at the forefront and leading the way. The Pathways to Politics Program for Women is so important to support and encourage women entering politics, and to continue to elevate their voices in our parliament. I am proud to support this great initiative."
- Senator Sarah Hanson-Young

"The Pathways to Politics Program is a great opportunity for women thinking about a role in public life to be part of a unique and immersive experience through which they gain new skills, knowledge and develop confidence."
- Samantha Ratnam MP, Leader of the Victorian Greens

"I am genuinely impressed by the positive impact of the Pathways to Politics program in empowering women with the skills, tools, and confidence needed to step into the realm of politics across all government levels. This well-thought-out program is pivotal in driving change and elevating the presence of women in Australian politics. As a migrant woman actively engaged in politics, I am particularly delighted to witness the program's accessibility and affordability to women from diverse backgrounds, including those with culturally diverse and migrant experiences."
- Cr Seema Abdullah, Greater Shepparton City Council

Participants gain first-hand insights from prominent politicians, advisors, speechwriters, and media trainers to give you confidence and clarity about your future in politics.

You will be supported to realise your capabilities through practical workshops and exercises provided in a respectful and supported environment – for example through media and campaign training, and delivering a speech in the Victorian parliament.

Our program curriculum is comprised of 10 modules across themes including:

• political vision
• preselection
• campaign planning
• media training
• speechwriting
• leadership skills

We are extremely grateful for the support of the many incredible guest speakers who have devoted their time and experience to our program. Past speakers include:

• Juliana Addison MP, Member for Wendouree (Pathways to Politics alum)
• Dr Katie Allen MP, Former Member for Higgins (Pathways to Politics alum)
• Lord Mayor of Melbourne Cr Nicholas Reece
• Annabel Crabb, journalist
• Joel Deane, speechwriter and journalist
• Dr Helen Haines MP, Member for Indi
• Senator Sarah Hanson Young, Senator for South Australia
• Senator the Hon Jane Hume, Minister for Superannuation, Financial Services and the Digital Economy
• Senator Jacqui Lambie, Senator for Tasmania
• The Hon Jenny Macklin, former Member for Jagajaga and Deputy Leader of the Federal Parliamentary Labor Party
• Cathy McGowan AO, former Member for Indi
• Ruth McGowan OAM, author of Get Elected (Pathways to Politics alum)
• Clare O'Neil MP, Member for Hotham
• Samantha Ratnam, former leader of the Victorian Greens
• Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece
• Senator Janet Rice, Senator for Victoria
• Leigh Sales, journalist
• Senator Jana Stewart, Senator for Victoria
• Natasha Stott Despoja AO, founding Chairperson of Our Watch
• Bridget Vallence MP, Member for Evelyn (Pathways to Politics alum)
• Senator Penny Wong, Senator for South Australia, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate

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 past decade Pathways to Politics has helped hundreds of women to run for office, and achieved 95 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. Travel and accommodation bursaries are available for all rural and regional participants thanks to our Rural and Regional Access Partner Minderoo Foundation – ensuring equal access for women nationwide

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 celebrated 10 years of impact in 2025.

Pathways to Politics 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 2020, 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 hundreds of alums run for pre-selection and election. 92 electoral successes have been achieved nationally across the political spectrum and at all levels of government.

* Accurate at the time of publishing. Visit pathwaystopolitics.org.au/about for current figures.

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:

1. Be over 18 years of age.
2. Be an Australian citizen/Australian permanent resident/holder of a New Zealand Special Category Visa or permanent Humanitarian Visa.
3. Currently reside in Victoria.
4. Identify as a woman (noting we embrace an inclusive definition of ‘women’, including cisgender and transgender women, and non-binary people)

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.

The University of Melbourne program accepts approximately 25 participants in each annual intake.

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.

Applications for our 2026 intake closed on 30 April 2026.

Applications for 2027 will open in March 2027.

The program will be delivered as a combination of face-to-face and online sessions between August-October 2024.

2025 program dates:

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.

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.

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).

Travel and accommodation bursaries are available for all rural and regional participants thanks to our Rural and Regional Access Partner Minderoo Foundation – ensuring equal access for women nationwide.

Our application is comprised of four sections:

1. Eligibility questions: These short questions help our Selection Committee to determine your eligibility for the program.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. CV: You will be required to upload your CV. Please ensure it is no longer than two pages and includes two referees.

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.

You can find more information on the national Pathways to Politics website.