University of Western Australia (UWA) will this month launch a new program to empower women from diverse backgrounds to embrace their political ambitions, thrive as leaders and make a profound contribution to society.
The Pathways to Politics for Women program is co-hosted by the Centre for Public Value UWA and the UWA Public Policy Institute and is an initiative of the Trawalla Foundation, Women’s Leadership Institute Australia and the University of Melbourne.
Professor Anna Nowak, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), will launch the program in WA on Friday 16 February from 2.15pm to 3.30pm, at the UWA Business School.
“Western Australia has a proud record of firsts in the political advancement of women,” Professor Nowak says. “This is a national project, and we are eager to play our part.”
Guest speakers share real-world stories
To launch the program in WA, keynote speakers sharing their insights and providing a range of perspectives on the challenges and opportunities for women in politics are:
• Emeritus Professor Carmen Lawrence, Australia’s first female premier
• Senator the Hon. Linda Reynolds CSC, Senator for Western Australia
• Kate Chaney MP, Federal Member for Curtin in the House of Representatives
• Carol Schwartz AO, Chair of the Trawalla Foundation and the Women’s Leadership Institute Australia.
Call for more women in politics
Since its launch in 2016, the program has achieved 33 electoral successes across the political spectrum and at all levels of government. There are 450 alumnae nationally and the number is expected to rise to 1,000 by 2026.
Women in the program receive comprehensive practical training, mentoring, and career-long support to enable them to work towards the creation of a more inclusive and representative political landscape.
With the addition of The University of Western Australia, as well as the University of Tasmania, to its partner network, Pathways to Politics is now a truly national program, providing women from all corners of Australia and all walks of life the opportunity to engage in political leadership and contribute to the future of the nation.
“My advice to women aspiring to politics is, if you can apply for the Pathways to Politics program, absolutely do it,” says 2017 Pathways to Politics for Women Tasmanian alum Danielle Kidd.
“You get to learn from amazing guest speakers, and you get practical advice and training. You also connect with a group of women who will become your advisors, confidantes and friends.”
