Pathways to Politics Program for Women
The University of Adelaide Pathways to Politics Program for Women is a proudly non-partisan initiative that aims to change the face of politics by equipping women with the skills, knowledge, confidence, and networks 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, our program is a part of a national Pathways to Politics partnership that seeks to address the underrepresentation of women in Australian politics.
Pathways to Politics brings together significant expertise and experience from across Australia’s political spectrum. We will provide you with networking opportunities and practical training that emphasises ethics in leadership.
The program comprises six host universities including the University of Adelaide. It is offered free to selected participants.
“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
Program details
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About the program
The program has a practical, experiential format that supports your active participation through workshops, case studies, networking opportunities, panel discussions and Q&As with high-profile guest presenters from across the political spectrum, including politicians, journalists, analysts, advisors and strategists.
Modules cover topics such as political vision, campaign planning, media training, speech-writing and leadership skills.
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How does the program run?
The University of Adelaide Pathways to Politics program 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?
The Pathways to Politics program at the University of Adelaide is open to female-identifying and non-binary people who are residents of South Australia.
Hear from past participants
“I wouldn’t be embarking on this incredible journey if I didn’t take part in the program. Pathways helped me understand what I perceived weaknesses were actually strengths. More compassion in politics is only a good thing. Through the program, 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 the Pathways to Politics program 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 the Program 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
