Marking the ten-year anniversary of Pathways to Politics for Women at Parliament House today, we’ve launched Celebrating 10 Years of Impact – a milestone publication charting the program’s evolution and celebrating the achievements of our diverse alum community across Australia.
Founded in 2015 by Carol Schwartz AO in partnership with the University of Melbourne, the Trawalla Foundation and Women’s Leadership Institute Australia, Pathways to Politics has grown from a bold idea into a national movement.
Inspired by the Harvard Kennedy School’s From Harvard Square to the Oval Office practicum, Pathways to Politics set out to equip women with the skills, confidence and networks to run for public office and thrive in our parliaments and councils.
“We 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.”
– The Hon Julia Gillard AC
In just ten years, Pathways to Politics has grown from a Victorian-only pilot into a truly national initiative, delivered in collaboration with eight leading universities. Today, our impact speaks volumes:
- 92 electoral successes across all levels of government
- 64 alums currently serving in parliaments and councils nationwide
- A diverse network of more than 750 alums, backed by post-program support, one-to-one mentoring, masterclasses and safety initiatives
National Co-Convenors Dr Meredith Martin and Sarah Buckley describe the publication as “both a celebration and a tribute – to our Founder Carol Schwartz AO, our inspiring alum community, and the hundreds of mentors and supporters who have made this possible.”
Inside the publication:
Counting the change:
Explore a decade of impact data demonstrating how Pathways to Politics is changing the face of politics. Findings highlight: increasing numbers of alums contesting and securing public office; strengthened readiness through enhanced knowledge, skills and networks; a participant cohort marked by broad diversity across backgrounds, experiences and the political spectrum – with diversity growing year on year.
Seven alums across five parties:
Victorian alums Gaelle Broad MLC, Dr Sarah Mansfield MLC and Georgie Purcell MLC share how Pathways to Politics fosters respect and collaboration across political divides. “Even when we’ve held strong, opposing views on difficult issues, we’ve always engaged in civilised debate, both inside and outside the chamber,” says Dr Sarah Mansfield MLC.
First Nations leadership:
CEO of Politics in Colour Kat Henaway reflects on her collaboration with Pathways to Politics, focused on strengthening pathways for First Nations and culturally diverse women to pursue political leadership.
Pictured: Pathways to Politics alum Sue-Anne Hunter, National Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People
Political networks for women:
An interview with Pathways to Politics alums Pamela Anderson (CEO, EMILY’s List Australia) and Charlotte Mortlock (Founder, Hilma’s Network). “Networks like Hilma’s, EMILY’s List and Pathways to Politics are vital for building a pipeline and preparing women for political life,” says Pamela Anderson.
And more, including:
Profiles of our alums in Federal Parliament; the top 10 things about Pathways to Politics according to our alum community; insights into barriers for culturally diverse alums; initiatives to address safety challenges and advocate for structural reform; alum Jenna Davey-Burns’ reflections on creating pathways to mayoralty: our role in the global movement for political gender parity.
As Carol Schwartz writes in her introduction:
“Pathways to Politics is genuinely changing the face of Australian politics. And we’re only just getting started.”
Read the full publication and join us in celebrating a decade of impact – and the women shaping the next.
Read our publication:
10 Years of Impact
Featuring interviews, stories and reflections from alums and supporters across the political spectrum, as well as Founder Carol Schwartz AO, and National Co-Convenors Sarah Buckley and Dr Meredith Martin.
Watch our video:
Celebrating 10 Years of Pathways to Politics
Featuring reflections from Founder Carol Schwartz AO, National Co-Convenors Sarah Buckley and Dr Meredith Martin, and more than 20 supporters and alums from a broad cross-section of Australian political life.
