Pathways to Politics for Women is celebrating a decade of impact in addressing gender disparity in Australian politics, launching Celebrating 10 Years of Impact at Parliament House in Canberra today. The report showcases the national, non-partisan program's achievements and the stories of diverse alumni who are shaping Australian politics.
Vice-Chancellor, Professor Emma Johnston AO said: "A healthy democracy depends on broad participation and leadership that reflects the diversity and lived experience of our communities. That is why the University of Melbourne is so proud to be the founding university partner of Pathways to Politics for Women and to see its national impact continue to grow."
"As one of Australia's foundational institutions, we have a responsibility to contribute to the nation. Together with our partners, our expertise, networks and convening power can help strengthen public life and this program is a powerful example of that partnership in action."
"Universities are places where knowledge, evidence and diverse perspectives meet, and where many of our emerging leaders first discover their voice and their capacity to shape the world. It is inspiring to see this national program opening that pathway for more women across the country."
University of Melbourne Interim Provost Professor Jane Gunn spoke from Australian Parliament House to mark the program's 10th anniversary, where women from across the political spectrum came together to celebrate achievements to date, but also the challenges ahead.
"Since its inception, the program has supported more than 750 women nationally, resulting in 92 electoral successes across the political spectrum and at every level of government. In 2024 alone, 120 alumni ran for election achieving a 41 percent success rate, a testament to the program's growing influence in shaping a more representative democracy."
Program Founder Carol Schwartz AO said: "For decades, I have been driven by a clear belief - when more women lead, everyone benefits. Equal representation strengthens decision-making, deepens collaboration, and ensures leadership truly reflects the people it serves. At its heart, this is about building a stronger, more resilient democracy.
"My proudest example of this is founding Pathways to Politics for Women. In 2013, when only one woman sat at the cabinet table - Julie Bishop - I felt a daily sense of outrage that our premier decision-making forum held such gender imbalance, and I knew something had to be done."
Despite the achievements of the program, women remain underrepresented in political leadership roles. Female representation in state and territory parliaments has declined from 45.1 percent in 2024 to 44.3 percent in 2025 and local government figures in Victoria have dropped from 43.8 percent to 43.2 percent despite a commitment to parity by 2025. At the federal level gender parity has been reached with 49.6 per cent women in 2025, though the balance does vary by political party.
Founded in 2015 by the Trawalla Foundation, Women's Leadership Institute Australia and the University of Melbourne, the Pathways to Politics program is now delivered in every state and territory in partnership with eight universities, equipping diverse women to boldly embrace their political ambitions, thrive as leaders and make a profound contribution to society. Through comprehensive practical training, workshops, mentoring and career-long support, the program provides unparalleled expertise for women serious about driving change through political leadership.
Professor Jane Gunn also spoke to Carol Schwartz's commitment and determination in the program's success to date.
"We would like to acknowledge Carol Schwartz AO, whose vision led to the establishment of Pathways to Politics for Women in 2015. Her contribution to advancing gender equality in Australia has been profound."
The event in Canberra featured a distinguished multi-partisan panel of senior federal politicians, including Minister for Housing, Homelessness and Cities, Hon Clare O'Neil MP, Senator Steph Hodgins-May, Senator for Victoria, Deputy Chair of Parliamentary Joint Committee on the National Anti-Corruption Commission, Dr Helen Haines MP and Shadow Minister for Communications and Women Melissa McIntosh MP.
