Applications are now open for the award-winning Pathways to Politics for Women nationwide, as the program celebrates a decade of equipping diverse women to embrace their political ambitions, thrive as leaders and make a profound contribution in their communities.
Since its launch in 2015, Pathways to Politics for Women has played a pivotal role in increasing the representation of women in politics. The program has empowered hundreds of diverse women to run for office – resulting in 84 electoral successes across all levels of government and the political spectrum.
In the upcoming federal election, more than 15 alums will be on the ballot, including sitting member for Reid Sally Sitou MP, former member for Higgins Dr Katie Allen, as well as others from right across the political spectrum.
Celebrating 10 years of impact
To mark its milestone anniversary, Pathways to Politics for Women has launched a special video celebrating 10 years of impact, featuring contributions from more than 20 supporters and alums from a cross-section of Australian political life.
They include former Prime Minister Julia Gillard AC, former Premier of Tasmania the Hon. Will Hodgman, Workplace Gender Equality Agency CEO the Hon. Mary Wooldridge and Senator for Victoria Jana Stewart, as well as program alums Dr Katie Allen, Sally Sitou MP and Dr Sarah Mansfield MP, Deputy leader of the Victorian Greens.
Julia Gillard AC said:
“Huge congratulations to Carol Schwartz for creating Pathways to Politics and happy 10th anniversary – 10 years of achievement to be very, very proud of.”
“I’m a huge believer and the evidence shows that to bring more women into politics, we need political parties to make structural changes, but we also need programs like Pathways to Politics, that special energy that happens when women come together to support each other, to learn from each other, to make sure that they’re ready to step forward into the political world.”
Pathways to Politics founder Carol Schwartz AO reflected on the program’s impact over the past decade:
“Pathways to Politics is not just about encouraging and equipping women to run for office – it’s about changing the culture of politics itself.”
“Over the past ten years, we’ve seen extraordinary momentum build, with diverse women stepping up to shape the future of political leadership in Australia. We look forward to welcoming our next incredible cohorts to the program and supporting them on their journey to elected office,” she said.
In a significant step towards increasing access for women outside metropolitan areas, Pathways to Politics is proud to welcome the Minderoo Foundation as its new Rural and Regional Access Partner, helping to ensure that women from rural and regional parts of the country have equal opportunity to participate in the program.
Applications for the 2025 program are open
6 March – 1 May 2025
Apply online.
Media contact: Rachel Brown
Download our Media Kit
