Knowledge Hub Archive - Pathways to Politics

Featured: Online safety for women in the spotlight

Everyone should have the opportunity to benefit from using social media, but it can be a very challenging space for women to thrive in. This growing collection of resources provides guidance about combating online abuse, safeguarding your online presence, and preventing the online harms most commonly experienced by women leaders online.

Close up photo of a woman in a yellow jumper messaging on a smartphone, overlaid with a graphic of a shield with a tick.

Safety Social media

Social Media Self-Defence

Everyone should have the opportunity to benefit from using social media, but it can be a challenging space for women to thrive in. These eSafety resources provide guidance about combating online abuse and safeguarding your online presence.

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Simple cartoon of a person at a computer. Text at the bottom will read: BAM - someone's hating on women.

Safety Social media

Online Active Bystander Project

Have you seen a post or a comment on social media and thought “that’s just not right”, but haven’t been sure what to say? This toolkit from Gender Equity Victoria aims to give you a range of strategies and suggestions for how to intervene.

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Illustration of a woman using a laptop, surrounded by negative messages

Social media Safety

eSafety resources for women

Women are more likely than men to be the target of gendered abuse that happens online or uses digital technology. Some women, such as politicians and political candidates, face tech-based abuse because they have an active online presence ‘in the spotlight’ as part of their working life. Here are some resources for women from Australia’s independent regulator for online safety.

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Graphic showing circles in different shades of blue on a pale blue background and the faces of a caucasian man, african woman and native american woman

Safety Workplace culture

Mere mortals: The state of politicians’ mental wellbeing and why it matters

Apolitical Foundation interviewed and surveyed more than 150 politicians, academics, political leadership entrepreneurs and parties to find out the state of politicians’ mental wellbeing and how it can be supported.

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Safety Social media Workplace culture

Gendered Online Harassment in Politics

This report from Gender Equity Victoria examines the experiences and impact of intersectional gendered cyberhate on women and gender diverse people working in politics in Victoria.

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Workplace culture Political participation

McKinnon Poll: Understanding partisanship, polarisation and social cohesion in Australia 2024

The latest McKinnon Poll offers insights into political partisanship, polarisation and social cohesion in Australia.

Illustration of a frustrated woman surrounded by work, mess and a baby

Workplace culture

Everyday sexism and how to counter it. Part 7: Careers and caring don’t mix

Gendered assumptions about parenting roles is very common. Here are some ways to respond.

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Illustration of an unhappy woman carrying a tea tray

Workplace culture

Everyday sexism and how to counter it. Part 6: Assumptions about roles – she’ll do it

How to counter assumptions about the roles women should and shouldn’t do.

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Illustration of a woman staring sadly into a mirror

Workplace culture

Everyday sexism and how to counter it. Part 5: Preoccupation with physical appearance

How to recognise and counter the preoccupation with body shape, size, physical appearance or dress

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Workplace culture

Everyday sexism and how to counter it. Part 4: Insult as a joke

Sexist jokes, demeaning remarks and insulting terms based on gender are the most frequently encountered form of everyday sexism

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Workplace culture

Everyday sexism and how to counter it. Part 3: Devaluing women’s views and expertise

Practical strategies for recognising and countering when women’s views and expertise are devalued

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Illustration of a man with a speech bubble saying "she's too bossy..."

Workplace culture

Everyday sexism and how to counter it. Part 2: Unwarranted gender labelling

Practical strategies for recognising and countering unwarranted gender labelling.

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Illustration of 4 women standing strong and the words "EVERYDAY SEXISM and how to counter it" in bold text

Workplace culture

Everyday sexism and how to counter it. Part 1: The aim and impact of everyday sexism

Everyday sexism is a persistent obstacle for women in politics, from the campaign trail to the chambers of parliaments and councils. Leadership communications expert Amanda Gome AM shares her strategies for recognising and countering these pervasive behaviours.

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Political participation Cultural diversity

The Way In: Representation in the 47th Australian Parliament

As trust in democratic institutions declines, the demographic makeup of Australia’s Federal Parliament faces increasing scrutiny. Per Capita’s “The Way In” report explores the backgrounds of elected members of the 47th Federal Parliament, highlighting progress in gender parity, First Nations representation, and cultural diversity.

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White woman wearing glasses and a colourful blouse is standing at a podium holding a microphone

Local government

What I’ve learned about how to bring people together as a local government mayor

Cr. Moira Were AM reflects on her journey in local government and provides her advice for countering polarisation by fostering inclusivity, connection, and joy.

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Photograph of the Victorian Parliament in session. Premier Jacinta Allen is standing and speaking at the centre dispatch box.

Political participation Research

Which Australian states and territories perform best on gender representation in parliament? We crunched the numbers

How do the states and territories compare on gender equality? Blair Williams and Katrine Beauregard see how they stack up based on representation, infrastructure, and policy-making and policy adoption.

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Close up of a typed document focusing on the highlighted word "policy". Overlaid is a photo of the Hon Mary Wooldridge smiling, wearing a purple shirt, blazer and gold pin

Policy Legal

Policymaking from ideation to legislation – with the Hon Mary Wooldridge

Understanding the intricacies of the policymaking process can help you, as an aspiring political leader, to navigate the complex landscape of idea generation, stakeholder engagement, advocacy and legislation. In this series of bite-sized videos featuring the Hon Mary Wooldridge we look at the vital roles of various actors, stakeholders and institutions in creating effective policies.

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Program Alum

Election Interview

Podcast: Madame Speaker

A new podcast from Hilma’s Network exploring the diverse backgrounds, opinions, and visions of women running as coalition candidates in the Australian federal election.

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