The Pathways to Politics Program for Women congratulates the 19 confirmed alums of our program who are running in this November’s Victorian State election.
Pathways to Politics has seen 21 electoral successes nationally since launching in 2016, demonstrating the real impact the program is having addressing the underrepresentation of women in Australian politics.
We applaud each of our alum standing for seats in November’s Victorian State election for their remarkable determination and dedication to serving their communities. We’re extremely proud to see them put themselves forward, and to see momentum for women’s equal participation and leadership in political life continue to build.
New to the Pathways to Politics Knowledge Hub this month, our special Victorian election dossier features seven of the Pathways alums who are running:
- Emily Bieber, Greens candidate for Ivanhoe
- Wesa Chau, Labor candidate for Prahran
- Jacqui Hawkins, Independent candidate for Benambra
- Kate Lardner, Independent candidate for Mornington
- Sarah Mansfield, Greens candidate for Western Victoria
- Georgie Purcell, Animal Justice Party candidate for Northern Victoria
- Debbie Taylor-Haynes, Liberal candidate for Bentleigh
In this dossier, we ask our alums to tell us about their personal ‘pathway to politics’ and their motivations for running in the Victorian State election. They also give their recommendations for content that will help support, guide, inspire and engage other women on their political journey.
For Wesa Chau, Labor candidate for Prahran, inclusion and a passion to see more women and culturally diverse representation in parliament has been a huge driver: “The federal election was pivotal and looking at the number of women or people of colour elected, I am excited we as a country are at a turning point,” says Wesa.
Georgie Purcell, Animal Justice Party candidate for Northern Victoria, says she has always been interested in politics and the power it has to change people’s lives.
“I’m a sensitive and feeling person – and didn’t think I could make it in the halls of power. Pathways helped me understand what I perceived weaknesses were actually strengths,” says Georgie. “Since I announced, the response has been overwhelmingly kind – with support across the political spectrum, particularly from Pathways alum, which has an incredible sense of comradery.”
Dr Kate Lardner has been out campaigning in her community as an Independent candidate in the seat of Mornington. She says, “The gratitude people express for being listened to is really heart-warming. Even if we don’t win, we continue the work of building a better world, and facilitating community engagement in the democratic process.”
Read more in the Victorian State Election dossier.
About the Knowledge Hub
The Pathways to Politics Knowledge Hub is a free online platform where all women and gender diverse people can find practical tools, information and inspiration to help in their run for public office: from understanding why it matters, what they need to consider in making a decision to run, to tools and guidance on getting elected, and becoming a political leader. Explore the Knowledge Hub here.
