Program outline

The University of Canberra’s Pathways to Politics for Women program is open to women residing in the ACT and NSW.

The 2024 program at the University of Canberra program will accept up to 30 participants. It will run from August 2024 to November 2024.

Our program comprises a series of thematic modules and will be delivered through a combination of in-person and online formats. The in-person sessions will be held as all-day intensive workshops on the University of Canberra’s campus in Bruce, ACT. The online sessions will be held on evenings during the week.

Program participation is fully funded through the generous support of the Trawalla Foundation and the University of Canberra.

Catering will be provided and dietary requirements are catered for on request.

Flights, ground transfers, accommodation, and any other expenses associated with attending the program, are not included.

The 2024 program will run from August to November, with breaks to account for school holidays. The program will conclude with a graduation celebration.

Note: We understand that participants may have caregiving responsibilities or other commitments. It will not be a problem if small children need to be present during online sessions.

Participants gain first-hand insights from current and former politicians, advisors, speechwriters, media trainers, and other professional experts, to give them confidence and clarity about their future in politics.

You will be supported to realise your capabilities through practical workshops and activities, delivered in a respectful, safe and supported environment. Our activities include, for example, understanding the pre-selection process, media training, campaign planning, and preparing and delivering a speech in parliament.

The University of Canberra’s Pathways to Politics program is designed around a sequential flow of topics. It begins with understanding your “why”, articulating your vision and values, and understanding the pre-selection process and political system. The program progresses to practical steps on “how to run” for elected office, including building your base, campaigning, and engaging with the media. We complete the program through tailored knowledge-building workshops, and supporting you to build resiliency strategies to thrive in a political role.

Modules include such topics as:

• articulating your political vision and values
• building your base and campaign planning
• media training and speech writing
• connecting with your community
• understanding policymaking, the public service, and government budgets
• ethics and integrity in politics
• preparing for the challenges of public life
  

A key component of the Pathways to Politics program is the opportunity for you to meet and hear directly from the lived experiences of politicians, both former and current, in a candid and trusted environment.

Their advice and reflections are complemented by a range of capability-building workshop activities facilitated by professional experts, academics and practitioners.

Bringing this program together, our guest presenters include:

• politicians (current and former) from all levels of government and across the political spectrum
• media and public speaking professionals
• campaign strategists
• policy advisors
• public policy experts
• leading figures in Australian political and public life.

We are extremely grateful for the support of the many incredible guest speakers who give their time and experience to the program, and share the joint vision to see more women and diverse people in Australian politics.