Pathways to Politics for Women
Pathways to Politics for Women at the University of Adelaide 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.
An initiative of the Trawalla Foundation, Women’s Leadership Institute Australia, and the University of Melbourne, Pathways to Politics for Women is a part of a national Pathways to Politics partnership that seeks to address the underrepresentation of women in Australian politics.
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 33* 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.
Participate in Pathways to Politics for Women and experience the following benefits:
- Learn from Australia’s most comprehensive and award-winning program which is accessible, diverse and fully funded
- Become the politician you want to be in a safe, inclusive space
- Help shape Australia’s political landscape
Pathways to Politics for Women comprises host universities including the University of Adelaide. It is offered free to selected participants.
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.
“Pathways to Politics doesn’t just bewail the undersupply of women in public office: it takes practical steps to address the problem, equipping women with the skills and confidence to get involved….It’s an invaluable down-payment on a better kind of politics.“Annabel Crabb
Pathways to Politics for Women details
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About Pathways to Politics for Women
Our proudly non-partisan program is uniquely designed in collaboration between the University of Adelaide and seven other leading universities across Australia, tailored to the South Australian 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.
Modules cover topics such as political vision, campaign planning, media training, speech writing and leadership skills.
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How does Pathways to Politics for Women run?
Pathways to Politics for Women at the University of Adelaide consists of ten sessions from August to October:
- three full days face-to-face
- seven online sessions after hours
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Diversity and inclusion
We are committed to diversity and to supporting a strong and inclusive cohort culture to equip you with the skills, knowledge, confidence and networks to run for elected office. You will become part of a large, supportive network of diverse and highly motivated women from a range of political, professional, and cultural backgrounds, all dedicated to making a tangible difference to the political landscape.
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Who can apply?
Pathways to Politics for Women at the University of Adelaide is open to women who are residents of South Australia.
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.
Hear from past participants
“I wouldn’t be embarking on this incredible journey if I didn’t take part in Pathways to Politics for Women. Pathways helped me understand what I perceived weaknesses were actually strengths. More compassion in politics is only a good thing. Through Pathways to Politics for Women, I also learned the power of my story. Importantly, it gave me confidence to take back the narrative on some of my personal experiences holding me back from public life."
Georgie Purcell, Animal Justice Party member of the Legislative Council for Northern Victoria
“Pathways to Politics equipped me with the knowledge, skills, networks & confidence to run for office. I had the privilege to connect and learn from a diverse group of experts, politicians, and most importantly, the cohort of passionate women dedicated to making positive change for their community.”
Skye Tito, NSW Labor Candidate for Sydney
“You cannot be what you cannot see. That’s why Pathways to Politics is so important. It provides a window into the experience of those who have been politically successful. We need to change the political conversation and the way to do that is to get more women elected.”
Dr Katie Allen MP, Pathways to Politics alum
“The power of Pathways to Politics for Women for me was normalising the idea of running. With that mental hurdle out of the way, I could focus on building the skills and knowledge I needed to win.”
Cr Tina Samardzija, Pathways to Politics alum
Our partners
Pathways to Politics is a truly national program, providing women from all corners of Australia and all walks of life the opportunity to engage in political leadership and contribute to the future of the nation.
