Training
Our 10 week course
Our introductory online training is an active learning experience curated to develop knowledge of leadership, domestic policy, foreign policy, and politics, while focusing on the need for diversity in decision making.
Participants join an online cohort of like-minded leaders from around the country and have the opportunity to meet impressive speakers, participate in workshops, and experience what it's like to be a public leader.
In addition, participants have access to three group mentoring sessions with a leader working in policy or politics.
The training is open to women and gender diverse people aged 17 to 32. Individuals from politically marginalised backgrounds (such as people who are First Nations, people from migrant or refugee backgrounds, people who are LGBTQIA+, who are disabled, who are from low socioeconomic backgrounds, or who are from rural and remote areas) are strongly encouraged to apply.
Over the last two years, we’ve worked with organisations including the US Consulate in Melbourne, diplomats, public servants, politicians and community change makers.
Read more about our impact here.
Mentoring
We know the importance of mentoring and sponsorship in cutting through.
These sessions will provide further learning on how to make change through government or politics, expand your networks, and provide further insight on the realities of working in politics and policy.
Speak to us about how to get young women and gender diverse people involved in your work.
Are you creating a policy and you need some input? Do you want to hear from young women and gender diverse people on how an issue or a proposed solution impacts them? We’re here to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the program start?
The program starts on the 31 of May 2023.
How long does the program run for?
The program includes eight weeks of content, with a break after week three and week six in which you will meet with your mentor - so a total of ten weeks. We encourage you to meet with your mentor the week after the training finishes, too (an optional week 11).
Who can apply?
The training is open to women and gender diverse people aged 17 to 32. Individuals from politically marginalised backgrounds (such as people who are First Nations, migrant or refugee, LGBTQIA+, who are disabled, who are from low socioeconomic backgrounds, or who are from rural and remote areas) are strongly encouraged to apply.
What does the program cost?
The program costs $247 for eight weeks of content and the three mentoring sessions.
I’m not sure I can afford the program cost
That’s okay, we’d love you to apply anyway! There are a number of scholarships available, you can apply when you fill out the application form.
What if I can’t make a week, can I still apply?
Absolutely! We understand that life happens, but participants must attend 6 of the 8 sessions.
When do application close?
Applications close on 5 May so get yours in quick!
What is the time commitment?
Sessions run online for 2.5 hours on a Wednesday evening. There is a break after week 3, in which you will meet with your mentor for an hour, a break after week 6 in which you will meet with your mentor for an hour, and we encourage you to meet with your mentor the week after the training finishes, too.
What happens if I’m not successful this time around?
Never fear, there are more opportunities to come, including one off events, and our Raise Our Voice in Parliament campaign.
Previous speakers
C Moore
Former CEO Women With Disabilities ACT, disability and gender advocate
Sophia Hamblin Wang
COO Mineral Carbonation International and international climate advocate
Alicia Lillington
Change and Communications consultant, STEM and leadership expert
Dr Nina Terrey & Sarah Martin
Chief for Gender Equality and Global Partner, ThinkPlace, and Human Insights Manager, ThinkPlace
Ladan Amirazizi
Career Diplomat and Trade Section at the High Commission of Canada, Canberra
Adriana Boisen
Greens candidate for Kurrajong, ACT 2020
Hannah Wandel
Senior Public Servant, Founder of Country to Canberra and 2019 Young Australian of the Year
Lisa Rapley
Indigenous advocate, Co-Founder Yuludarla Karulbo and Public Servant
Tania Zeine
Founder of Barja, Public Servant and diversity & inclusion advocate
Yasmin Hassen
PHD candidate researching the role, relationship and impact of foreign aid/ security in the Horn of Africa.
Mehak Sheikh
Youth advocate, systems change thinker and independent candidate for City of Wyndham 2020
Ritu Clementi
Founder, of The Girls Leadership Network, long term diversity and inclusion advocate
Kate Crowhurst
Founder, MoneyBites, Public Servant and One Young World Ambassador
Dr Elise Stephensen
Founder Young Entrepreneurs & Leaders Speaker Series, expert in gender & sexuality in int affairs
Elizabeth Lee
Leader of the ACT Liberal Party and ACT Leader of the Opposition
Srishti Bali
Former political staffer, policy advisor and Mehak Sheikh’s campaign manager, 2020
US Consul General, Michael Kleine
US Consul General Michael F. Klein ran participants through a crisis diplomacy simulation