Photo: Opening session of the 2024 University of Canberra Pathways to Politics for Women program with special guest Senator the Hon Katy Gallagher
Pathways to Politics for Women has returned to the Australian Capital Territory for its second year, launching with two days of inspiring sessions at the University of Canberra.
The 2024 ACT cohort features 20 exceptional women from Canberra and the surrounding New South Wales region. Selected for their dedication to serving their communities and their aspiration to seek electoral office, these participants represent a diverse array of backgrounds and political perspectives.
We were privileged to open the first session with Senator the Hon. Katy Gallagher (Minister for Women, Minister for Finance, and Minister for the Public Service) in conversation with Pathways to Politics ACT Director Dr Leonora Risse, an economist from the University of Canberra who specialises in gender equality.
Senator Gallagher’s message to the participants was clear, honest and powerful: “Keep showing up.” Her address set the tone for a program filled with learning, inspiration, and empowerment.
The day’s schedule was packed with insightful reflections and sharing of experiences, beginning with a warm welcome from Professor Uwe Dulleck, Dean of the Faculty of Business, Government and Law, where Pathways to Politics ACT is based. The importance of women’s contributions and diversity in politics was underscored in Senator Gallagher’s conversation with Dr Risse, followed by discussions on the ethos and history of the program led by Pathways to Politics National Co-Convenors Dr Meredith Martin (University of Melbourne) and Sarah Buckley (Trawalla Foundation).
The importance of nurturing an inclusive, trusting and respectful space for learning was canvassed in a special session delivered by Professor Jennifer Loh of the University of Canberra.
Participants had the opportunity to connect and gain insights from three alums from last year’s program, Soëlily Consen-Lynch (Greens Candidate for Yerrabi), Kelsie Suter and Swan Ricco. The day concluded with a session on self-awareness and values, facilitated by Dr Alicia Mollaun, providing the participants with tools to navigate their political journeys with authenticity and purpose.
The evening wrapped up with a welcome dinner at the National Press Club of Australia, where participants heard from guest speaker Karen Middleton, a seasoned political journalist from the Canberra Press Gallery, and Pathways to Politics alum Heidi Prowse OAM, Labor Candidate for Ginninderra.
“I feel honoured to have been able to welcome the 2024 cohort of the Pathways to Politics for Women ACT as a member of the alumni panel with Kelsie Suter and Swan Ricco. I truly hope the new cohort enjoys the program and soaks up the wealth of information and experiences that the program provides, just as much as we did. Women empowering each other and sharing knowledge in a safe space is so special and valuable.”
– Soëlily Consen-Lynch (via LinkedIn)
In the program’s second day, participants had the unique opportunity to learn from and be inspired by both former and current politicians who shared their motivations for running for office, as well as their lessons and advice on finding your fit within politics.
Building on these insights, the cohort began to craft and articulate their own political visions and aspirations with guidance from Dr Alicia Mollaun and Dr. Leonora Risse. In a session led by Professor Raechel Johns (University of Canberra) they also explored strategies to meaningfully connect with their communities and the constituents they hope to represent.
As we embark on our second year in the ACT, the enthusiasm and passion of this year’s cohort promise to continue driving the Pathways to Politics mission to build a more diverse and gender equal political landscape.
