Media Release: Women urged to step into politics as national program launches
Newly armed with a $5 million ‘Women in Public Office’ (WIPO) Commonwealth grant, Women for Election is launching its national candidate training program: EQUIP: Power Edition.
An enriched version of previous training workshops, this program will explain the political process, equip participants from a range of backgrounds with practical campaigning tools and build the confidence necessary to step into the political spotlight at all levels of government.
With strategic partners The Global Institute for Women’s Leadership at the Australian National University, Ruth McGowan Pty Ltd, Quantum Impact Group, the Australian Local Government Women’s Association and Politics in Colour, Women for Election will reach women across every state and territory in the next four years. The program is free and includes a focus on regional and remote communities. Women for Election CEO, Licia Heath said that any woman who has ever contemplated running for public office should register for the program.
“Any woman or non-binary person who has thought they could make a difference or been told by those close to them they would make a great elected representative, this is your chance to begin the journey.”
“We are holding a free online briefing session online at 7pm (AEDT) on 12 October, and women with even the slightest curiosity about politics are encouraged to register,” said Ms Heath.
“Having trained over 3000 women in recent years, we’ve witnessed first-hand how many women effectively wield power positively in their communities.
“Many already possess the skills necessary for a career in public office. Routinely, women are active leaders in their community, they’re natural consensus-builders, networkers and communicators. Yet, unlike many male candidates, women are often reluctant to dive into the political process. Women for Election understands the barriers that exist for women to get elected and this program will demystify the process and address those barriers so you feel ready and capable to run for elected office ,” said Ms Heath.
The program’s first stop is Queensland, where It’s hard to ignore that women currently make up only 37% of local government Councillors and 31% of state government MPs.
“Ahead of the Queensland local government and state elections in 2024, we have a chance to make a real difference and ‘move the dial’ on gender equality at both levels,” said Ms Heath.
Women can register to attend the information session or the specific training sessions below via our website: www.wfea.org.au.
WIPO funding is provided under the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet’s Women’s Leadership and Development Program.
About Women for Election:
Women for Election is a non-partisan, for purpose organisation with a mission to achieve gender equality at all levels of government in Australia. We achieve this through inspiring and equipping women and non-binary folk to run for public office through place based and online training events that address the barriers to women’s political participation.
* * *
Please direct media enquiries to WFE’s Communications and Relationship Manager, Katrina Van De Ven: [email protected].
