Women in Western Australia with an interest in political leadership will now be supported to pursue their political aspirations through an award-winning program that aims to boost gender equality and diversity in Australian politics.
The University of Western Australia has joined the Pathway to Politics for Women program, which aims to attract a broad range of women from diverse backgrounds from all parts of the State.
Pathways to Politics for Women is increasing the number of women in Australian politics by equipping women to boldly embrace their political ambitions, thrive as leaders and make a profound contribution to society. The program was founded and funded by philanthropist Carol Schwartz AO and overseen by the Trawalla Foundation.
UWA Vice-Chancellor Professor Amit Chakma said Australian democracy, like all democracies everywhere, needed diverse voices speaking confidently and powerfully.
"I am delighted that the Pathways to Politics program will be led by UWA's Centre for Public Value and the UWA Public Policy Institute," Professor Chakma said.
UWA Professor Anna Nowak, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) and Pathways to Politics Executive Sponsor, said Western Australia had a proud record of firsts in the political advancement of women.
"One of UWA's most distinguished Professors, Carmen Lawrence, was Australia's first woman premier," Professor Nowak said. "This is a national project and we are eager to play our part."
UWA PPI director Paul Maginn said being part of the program would enhance the University's national visibility and presence in the policy and politics sphere.
"But even more importantly, the program will help nurture future women leaders from WA at all levels of government," Professor Maginn said.
UWA Centre for Public Value director David Gilchrist said the UWA program would recruit women political leaders serving in local, state and the Commonwealth political spheres as well as women leaders in the private and NGO sectors as mentors to the program.
Since launching at the University of Melbourne in 2016, Pathways to Politics has expanded to include partner programs at QUT, UNSW, Charles Darwin University, the University of Adelaide and University of Canberra. The addition of UWA and the University of Tasmania have expanded the program to become national.
Applications for the 2024 Pathways to Politics for Women program for Western Australia open in early 2024. Prospective applicants can find further information and submit an expression of interest here.
