Back in February it was such a delight to catch up with so many Pathways to Politics for Women alumnae for the program’s 10th anniversary at Government House.
I was part of the very first cohort in 2016 and Steph Amir and I were the first two women ever elected after completing the Pathways to Politics program when we became Darebin Councillors in 2016.
Despite the immense challenges that can come with it, politics has been a central part of my life for the last eight years. Working to create positive change for my community gave me meaning and purpose. Being Mayor of Darebin last year I was living and breathing politics every single day and I absolutely loved it.
Since narrowly losing the council election in November, I’ve felt grief, anger, self-doubt, loss and have wondered where I fit now. I’m still working that out! But it’s also why I was so happy to be at the 10th anniversary Pathways to Politics event as it reminded me why this program and movement to reach gender equality in Australia’s parliaments and councils is so important to me.
It’s because even if we have setbacks in politics, as I have, this program and its people provide each other the support to get through the hard parts, renew, reset, and get back into the fray again.
At the event, an alum reminded me of a coffee we had where I’d supported and encouraged her to run for election. THIS is why we are doing it. Because the important thing is to keep going and not give up, even in the face of what seems right now like an insurmountable challenge with Trump reaping havoc that is rippling throughout the world.
I genuinely think the Pathways to Politics Program is creating significant change to the political culture in Australia, by changing the face of who is elected, and in doing so should be replicated by other countries who are serious about reaching gender equality.
While I may not be in an elected role right now, I know that being part of the change that Pathways to Politics is creating, and supporting others to be a part of that too very directly points to my True North, and I will follow the path towards it.
If this sparks a nervousness in you, but also an excitement, where you think maybe I COULD do that, even if it doesn’t feel like it right now, I encourage you to apply for the program. It’s competitive and you might not make it the first time. Try again!
Change is made by those who show up, and show up, and show up again.
THIS is your tap-on-the-shoulder to apply. Do it!
Susanne Newton 