Pathways to Politics for Women opens applications as demand grows for trusted leaders

Media release, 5 March 2026

As public trust in politics remains fragile and Australians continue to call for leadership that reflects integrity, capability and lived experience, Pathways to Politics for Women has opened applications for its nationally recognised program.

Pathways to Politics for Women is Australia’s most comprehensive and award-winning political training program for women, equipping diverse women with the skills, confidence and support to pursue political leadership across the political spectrum and all levels of government.

Since its establishment 10 years ago, the program has supported 92 electoral successes nationally, demonstrating a proven pathway for women who are serious about driving change through political leadership. 62 alums are currently serving in parliaments and councils across Australia.

“Healthy democracies rely on leaders who are prepared, grounded in their values, and accountable to the communities they serve,” said Pathways to Politics Founder Carol Schwartz AO.

“Pathways to Politics for Women exists to help women from diverse backgrounds step into political leadership with confidence and clarity – with a clear-eyed understanding of the realities of public life, and a unique national network of support behind them.”

Delivered nationally, the fully funded program combines practical training, mentoring, workshops and career-long support in a safe and inclusive environment. Participants engage with experienced political leaders as well as policy, media and campaign experts, gaining rare insights into the realities, responsibilities and demands of political campaigning and leadership.

For many alums, the program has been a turning point – transforming professional, community and lived experience into political readiness.

“Participating in the Pathways to Politics for Women program has been one of the most transformative and strategically important steps in my professional life,” said Antoinette Aquilina, a 2025 Queensland alum.

“With more than two decades of frontline experience in policing and community safety, I was driven to advocate for stronger communities. Pathways to Politics took that foundation and elevated it into genuine political readiness – providing insight, real-time feedback and strategic clarity that simply can’t be gained anywhere else.”

Dr Rishelle Hume AM, a Western Australian alum and 2025 WA Aboriginal Person of the Year, said the program strengthened her confidence and reinforced the importance of representative leadership.

“The Pathways to Politics program was transformational – it empowered me to step into my leadership with confidence, connect with inspiring women, and reaffirm the importance of First Nations voices in Australian politics.”

For Hajrah Kamran, a 2025 Northern Territory alum, the program demystified politics and made leadership feel achievable.

“It equipped me with the skills, knowledge and courage to pursue my dreams in politics. I am now more confident than ever to make a difference and be a voice for change in my community.”

Pathways to Politics for Women is a non-partisan initiative of the Trawalla Foundation, Women’s Leadership Institute Australia and the University of Melbourne, delivered in partnership with leading universities nationwide: the University of Melbourne, QUT, UNSW, Charles Darwin University, Adelaide University, University of Canberra, The University of Western Australia and University of Tasmania.

Additional bursaries are available for rural and regional women to ensure leadership opportunities are not limited by geography or financial barriers.

Applications for the 2026 programs are open nationally from 5 March to 30 April.