Pathways to Politics for Women surpasses 100 electoral successes

Photo: 2026 Pathways to Politics for Women Victorian cohort, Speeches in Parliament module

Media Release

Pathways to Politics for Women is celebrating a major milestone, with more than 100 electoral successes achieved by alums across Australia since the program began in 2016.

The milestone follows Tasmania’s recent local government elections, where 13 Pathways to Politics alums put themselves forward for election, including eight participants from this year’s program. Seven alums were successfully elected, including two Mayors and one Deputy Mayor, bringing the program’s total electoral successes to 107.

Program Founder Carol Schwartz AO congratulated all those who had stood for election, recognising the commitment it takes to put yourself forward to run for public office.

“Running for office takes commitment, hard work and a willingness to put yourself out there in service of your community. Every woman who puts herself forward for election deserves to be recognised,” Ms Schwartz said.

Ms Schwartz also highlighted the strength of the national Pathways to Politics alum community and its contribution to Australian democracy, particularly at a time when the political environment can be increasingly challenging for women.

“Reaching more than 100 electoral successes is a wonderful milestone, but our impact extends well beyond that. We have built a strong, diverse national community of women who support one another and are committed to a better kind of politics.”

“At a time when politics can be an increasingly difficult and sometimes unsafe place for women, it is more important than ever that women and people from diverse backgrounds continue to participate in our democracy. A healthy democracy depends on it,” she said.

Jo Westwood, who has just been elected Mayor of Kingborough, said Pathways to Politics had equipped her with both practical skills and a support network to navigate the challenges of political campaigning.

“Pathways to Politics gave me an opportunity to interrogate my ‘why’ in a safe and supportive environment,” Ms Westwood said.

“The network of support was invaluable in helping me weather life on the campaign trail. I feel incredibly fortunate to have been part of a cohort of strong, generous women who filled my cup with kindness and laughter throughout my campaign journey.”

Abby McKibben, who was elected Mayor of Huon Valley Council, said the value of the program was both in what she learned and with the women she met.

“I’ve connected with incredible women from all sides of politics and across every level of government, all wanting to make a difference in their communities as I do in mine. And making themselves available to support all women, not just those aligned to their party or beliefs,” she said.

“The program helped me see where my professional experience and my passion for community can best be put to use – and gave me the confidence to back that in, and is ultimately how I now find myself Mayor-elect for the Huon Valley.”

Since its establishment in 2016, Pathways to Politics for Women alums have run for election 281 times, achieving a 38 per cent success rate across local, state and federal government elections. This includes alums elected across multiple electoral cycles. 76 alums are currently serving in parliaments and councils across Australia.

The milestone comes ahead of this month’s Victorian state election where at least 22 Pathways to Politics alums are contesting.

Pathways to Politics for Women is an initiative of the Trawalla Foundation, Women’s Leadership Institute Australia and the University of Melbourne. The program is offered by eight leading universities nationally.

Women interested in pursuing political leadership are invited to register their interest in the 2027 Pathways to Politics for Women program here.

Media enquiries: Rachel Brown, 0404 416 378

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