As public trust in politics remains fragile and Australians continue to call for leadership that reflects integrity, capability and lived experience, Pathways to Politics for Women has opened applications for its nationally recognised program.
Since its establishment 10 years ago, the program has supported 92 electoral successes nationally, demonstrating a proven pathway for women who are serious about driving change through political leadership. 62 alums are currently serving in parliaments and councils across Australia.
"Strong democracies depend on leaders who are well-prepared for office, driven by their values and deeply connected to their communities," said Dr Meredith Martin, Program Director at the University of Melbourne and National Co-Convenor of Pathways to Politics for Women.
"At the University of Melbourne, where Pathways to Politics for Women first began, we have seen the impact of investing in women's political leadership over the past decade. Seven Victorian alums, across different five parties, currently sit in the Victorian Parliament, with a further two in federal parliament and 19 in local government. These outcomes reflect not only the strength of the program, but the depth of preparation and multipartisan support that enables women to step forward and succeed."
Delivered nationally, the fully funded program combines practical training, mentoring, workshops and career-long support in a safe and inclusive environment. Participants engage with experienced political leaders as well as policy, media and campaign experts, gaining rare insights into the realities, responsibilities and demands of political campaigning and leadership.
For many alums, the program has been a turning point – transforming professional, community and lived experience into political readiness.
"I can say with complete confidence that I would not be where I am today without the Pathways to Politics program and the incredible team behind it. It gave me the skills and the confidence to run for public office and continues to give me strength throughout the journey," said Georgie Purcell MP, Member for Northern Victoria.
Sue-Anne Hunter, the National Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children, said the program strengthened her confidence and reinforced the importance of representative leadership.
"Pathways to Politics is not just about individual growth; it's about changing the face of politics. By empowering diverse women across Australia, this program contributes to greater gender equality and diversity in our political landscape. As a proud alumna, I wholeheartedly recommend Pathways to Politics to any woman who dreams of making a difference through public service."
Bridget Vallence MP, Member for Evelyn and Shadow Minister for Finance, Jobs and Skills, and Trade and Finance, is an alum of the inaugural Pathways to Politics program and credits it as a formative experience in her leadership journey.
"Individually and collectively we must do everything we can to get more women into public office and ensure our Parliaments are truly diverse and representative. That's why Pathways to Politics for Women is such a fabulous and vitally important program, providing women from a variety of backgrounds with the tools and the confidence to have a go and get elected."
The program is candid about how challenging it is being in politics, and how women regardless of political persuasion experience common challenges, but can work together to break down these barriers," she said.
Pathways to Politics for Women is Australia's most comprehensive and award-winning political training program for women, equipping diverse women with the skills, confidence and support to pursue political leadership across the political spectrum and all levels of government.
Pathways to Politics for Women is a non-partisan initiative of the Trawalla Foundation, Women's Leadership Institute Australia and the University of Melbourne, delivered in partnership with leading universities nationwide: the University of Melbourne, QUT, UNSW, Charles Darwin University, Adelaide University, University of Canberra, The University of Western Australia and University of Tasmania.
Additional bursaries are available for rural and regional women to ensure leadership opportunities are not limited by geography or financial barriers.
Applications for the 2026 national program are open from 5 March to 30 April.
