Knowledge Hub Archive - Pathways to Politics

Diverse group of women pose for a photo sitting in two rows. They are wearing brightly coloured blazers and there are trees behind them.

Cultural diversity

Reflecting our culturally diverse society

Culturally and linguistically diverse women continue to face systemic barriers as they work to make their voices heard in politics. In 2024, Pathways to Politics set out to understand their journeys more deeply, researching the role of race, culture and intersectionality in shaping women’s pathways into politics.

Read Article

Photo of Sue-Anne Hunter giving a speech in the Victorian Parliament. She is wearing a long feathered necklace and large eagle earrings.

Program Alum

First Nations Cultural diversity

Strengthening political pathways for First Nations women

Kat Henaway, Director of Politics in Colour, reflects on her collaboration with Pathways to Politics, aiming to strengthen pathways for First Nations and culturally diverse women to pursue political leadership.

Read Article

Two blonde women and two young teen girls smiling, dressed in mayoral robes

Program Alum

Local government

Creating Pathways to Mayoralty

Why former Mayor and Pathways to Politics alum Jenna Davey-Burns believes in building strong pathways to mayoralty for women.

Read Article

Program Alum

Cultural diversity Political participation

The Way In: Representation in the 48th Australian Parliament

This Per Capita report examines the 48th Australian Parliament, elected in 2025, exploring representation through the lenses of gender, Indigeneity, cultural and ethnic background, education, age and employment, comparing those who sit in our national legislature with the people they serve.

Read Report

Three women smiling in front of grand wooden door

Program Alum

Interview Leadership

Seven alums across five parties: Building a collaborative culture in the Victorian Parliament

Alums Gaelle Broad MP, Dr Sarah Mansfield MP and Georgie Purcell MP reflect on cross-party collaboration and respect in this interview with Pathways to Politics Co-Convenor Dr Meredith Martin.

Read Article

Photo of two smiling women, one brunette and one blonde, pasted against a blue/green background

Program Alum

Interview Political participation

“Different sides, same goal”: Building stronger political networks for women

Why political networks for women are essential to building the pipeline – an interview with Pathways to Politics alums Charlotte Mortlock (Founder, Hilma’s Network) and Pamela Anderson (CEO, EMILY’s List Australia).

Read Article

Five white women, smartly dressed, seated in a row on low stage

Political participation Leadership

Driving gender equality in Australian politics: A multi-partisan panel discussion

Pathways to Politics’ 10-year anniversary celebration featured a multi-partisan panel discussion exploring the transformative impact of women’s leadership and the importance of diverse female representation in public life – with Senator Steph Hodgins-May, Melissa McIntosh MP, Hon Clare O’Neil MP and Dr Helen Haines MP.

Read Speech/Presentation

Photo of Rebecca Huntley, smiling with her arms crossed. A compass illustration is behind her.

Policy

Gender Compass briefing: guiding effective communication on gender equality

What do Australians really think about gender equality? Dr Rebecca Huntley shares an overview of Gender Compass – a first-of-its-kind study that segments the Australian community into six distinct groups based on attitudes to gender equality. Learn what motivates each group and gain practical tools for engaging the “moveable middle”.

Access Toolkit

Graphic of a compass with the words trailblazer, hopeful, moderate, conflicted, indifferent and rejector

Policy

Gender Compass: Stage 2

Gender Compass is a groundbreaking tool that splits the Australian community into six distinct groups based on their attitudes to gender equality.

Access Toolkit

Election Political participation

Annabel Crabb’s Civic Duty

November 2024, ABC TV This 3-part docuseries tells the remarkable story of Australia’s democratic system. Annabel Crabb unearths the individuals and stories behind the features that combine to make Australian democracy globally unique.

Watch Video

Photo of Dr Wesa Chau, an Asian Australian woman wearing a white blazer and bright pink blouse.

Program Alum

Campaigning Cultural diversity Leadership

Political skills and the art of influence with Dr Wesa Chau

Pathways to Politics alum and Executive Director of Per Capita Dr Wesa Chau explores how political skills are developed and applied, particularly in environments where power and representation are contested.

Watch Video