Pamela: I honestly can’t remember how Charlotte and I met, but we connected quickly and developed a friendship, which is fantastic – two women from different sides, but the same goal: more women in politics.  

Charlotte: While it might seem very different to the public, we have a lot in common. We both have this very unique insight into how difficult politics can be for women. That mutual understanding helped us bond quickly and it built respect. We both want Australia’s democracy to be the best it can be, and that means we want our opponents to be as good as they can be as well. 

Pamela: It’s not the first time Labor and Liberal women have worked together for the same outcome, there’s a history – the private members’ bill on RU486 is a great example. So that legacy flows into this relationship. We have a lot more in common than we don’t! 

Charlotte: For me, Pathways to Politics reaffirmed how many talented women there are from all political stripes, and showed the pipeline is strong. Politics can be lonely, and Pathways made me feel less alone. It surrounded me with people who understood the challenges and could rally around me. 

Pamela: I agree, and Pathways is a great way to expand your network beyond your own party too. It helps build bridges to help you work across the aisle. My vision for the next generation of women is that it’s going to be easier, and there’ll be more women represented across all parties. We won’t still be fighting the same fights our grandmothers fought.  

Networks like Hilma’s, EMILY’s List and Pathways are vital for building a pipeline and preparing women for political life. 

Charlotte: I’d echo that – I want it easier, and more constructive. We’ve been in a rut, and I really want our political sphere, in Australian politics and globally, to enter into a new stage. I hope Pamela and I working together shows that you can put aside political stripes and work together to lift up the next generation. 

Pamela: And bring back constructive debate. Disagreeing doesn’t mean you dislike someone, it’s healthy. That’s something Pathways provides, by helping break down silos – people who “aren’t supposed” to get along can build trust, just pick up the phone and get things done by having a real conversation. 

Charlotte: And the more we normalise that collaboration and demystify politics, the stronger our democracy will be. 

Charlotte Mortlock is the Executive Director and Founder of Hilma’s Network, and an alum of our 2022 NSW program:

“Hilma’s Network recruits, supports and promotes Liberal women. We focus on grassroots recruitment because major parties can’t reflect society until their membership does. We host curated events to bring women in, headhunt candidates, and support women already in government through upskilling, training and strategy.” 

Pamela Anderson is CEO of EMILY’s List Australia and an alum of our 2021 Victorian program:

“EMILY’s List Australia going since the late ’90s, founded by Joan Kirner, Julia Gillard and others who saw too few women in the political pipeline. We support Labor’s progressive women through endorsement, as well advocating for issues including reproductive rights, childcare, diversity, gender equity and respect. We’re a membership-based organisation, external to the Labor Party, and proud to have driven Labor’s quotas.”