A group of women from diverse political, professional and cultural backgrounds graduated from Pathways to Politics for Women at The University of Western Australia last week.
The first Western Australian cohort of 20 women completed an intensive one-week program led by UWA’s Centre for Public Value and the UWA Public Policy Institute.
Pathways to Politics for Women, an initiative of the Trawalla Foundation, Women’s Leadership Institute Australia and the University of Melbourne, is delivered nationally in collaboration with UWA and seven other leading universities.
It aims to equip participants with the tools, knowledge and networks they need to pursue public office and thrive as political leaders.
The program featured a series of practical workshops, panels and interactive sessions with prominent political figures and experts.
Current and past politicians from local, State and Federal Government shared their knowledge and insights into political vision, values, campaigning, working with community leaders, resilience and integrity, policymaking, budgeting, media and speechwriting.
Guest speakers included former WA premier the Hon Carmen Lawrence AO, the Hon Ken Wyatt AM, Senator Fatima Payman, the Hon Rita Saffioti MLA, Liza Harvey, Katrina Stratton PhD, MBA, the Hon Mia Davies MP and Kate Chaney MP.
Associate Professor Paul Maginn, Director of UWA’s Public Policy Institute, said it was amazing to see the inaugural cohort demonstrate their passion and commitment to learn and lead.
“Keep an eye out for future elected representatives and leaders in this group of amazing women from across WA with different political backgrounds and lived experiences,” Associate Professor Maginn said.
“We were honoured to host incredible special guests from right across the political spectrum and would like to thank them for sharing their expertise.”
The program finished at State Parliament’s Legislative Assembly where the cohort was able to gain a sense of what it was like to stand up and deliver a speech in the heart of WA's democratic system.
Professor David Gilchrist, Director of UWA’s Centre for Public Value, said the program was a practical and effective way to redress the gender imbalance in political leadership in Australia.
"We are very pleased to work with the Institute for Public Policy UWA to extend this program into WA — it is an opportunity to drive real and effective change,” Professor Gilchrist said.
Graduates of the program have the option of being matched with a political mentor if they decide to run for elected office.
Professors Maginn and Gilchrist also acknowledged the support of Minderoo Foundation in helping bring women from regional and remote WA to Perth to take part in the program.