Women for Election

Women for Election A non-partisan, for-purpose organisation that inspires and equips more women to run for public office in Australia across all levels of government

Women for Election is on a mission to INSPIRE and EQUIP women to run for public office at all levels of government in Australia via politically neutral training.

As part of the 2026 South Australian state election, Melissa Clarke, one of our incredible alumni has been elected to So...
05/06/2026

As part of the 2026 South Australian state election, Melissa Clarke, one of our incredible alumni has been elected to South Australia’s First Nations Voice to Parliament.

Melissa has credited Women for Election, and one of our outstanding First Nations trainers, Michelle Deshong at the Turnstone Collective, with helping her build the confidence to take this important step into leadership.

We congratulate Melissa on this remarkable achievement and wish her every success in this important new role.

We look forward to seeing the impact she will make for First Nations communities across South Australia.

04/06/2026

We need more women, of all backgrounds, in politics. Full stop.

It’s not easy, but Women for Election is making it happen, and we need your help.

Right now, we’re on a mission to raise $100,000 this EOFY to train 100 new women to run in 2026.
This ensures a pipeline of diverse, confident women ready to lead at every level of government.

Because when women are equipped with the skills, confidence, and support to step forward, they don’t just run, they get elected. (196 alumni and counting!)

Your donation helps remove barriers, fund training, and back the next generation of female leaders shaping our future.

👉 Join us. Support the next 100.

Donate now: https://wfe.org.au/donate/

We’re incredibly proud to have nominated five of our alumni for the Politicians’ Hall of Fame: Democratic Excellence 202...
02/06/2026

We’re incredibly proud to have nominated five of our alumni for the Politicians’ Hall of Fame: Democratic Excellence 2026 presented by and The Democracy & Culture Foundation.

These awards recognise leaders who are strengthening democracy through
✔ participation
✔ accountability
✔ inclusion
✔ integrity

Each of these women started with a decision: to step forward.

Through our programs, they built the skills, confidence and networks to run.

Then they put themselves on the ballot.

They got elected.

And now, they are making real change in communities across Australia.
✨ From local councils to state and federal parliament
✨ From grassroots conversations to national reform
✨ From underrepresentation to leadership

These nominations are more than recognition. They are proof of what happens when women are supported to participate fully in democracy.

Congratulations and best of luck to our incredible alumni:
Cherisse Buzzacott
Kellie Sloane
Farhat Firdous
Sophie Scamps
Charishma Kaliyanda

Your leadership is strengthening democracy every day.

Inductees will be announced at the Athens Democracy Forum later this year. 🏛

Let’s celebrate the leaders making a difference!




Kellie Sloane MP - NSW Liberal Leader
Dr Sophie Scamps
Cherisse Buzzacott, Councillor ASTC
Charishma Kaliyanda

Have you ever thought about running for office, but not known where to start? Or wondered how you could play a bigger ro...
31/05/2026

Have you ever thought about running for office, but not known where to start? Or wondered how you could play a bigger role in shaping your community? You’re not alone, and you’re in the right place!

Join our next intro session on 26th June to learn about who we are, what we do, and how we can support you on your political journey.

We help women build the confidence, skills, and networks to step into politics – and why your voice matters more than ever.

This session is for anyone curious about politics and how they might be able to get involved. Come join us in June!

📆 Fri 26th Jun
⏰ 12-1pm AEST
🔗 Online via Zoom
🎟 Free to join!

REGISTER TODAY: https://wfe.org.au/activate-introductory-session-26-june-2026/

26/05/2026

With only 10 months until the NSW election, we brought our Multicultural Women’s Workshop to Western Sydney and were reminded just how powerful community can be when women come together to support one another.

The energy in the room was one of connection, encouragement and shared ambition, with women from diverse backgrounds coming together to learn, build confidence and explore pathways into political and civic leadership.

A huge thank you to our incredible trainers for sharing their knowledge and experience, and to every attendee who brought openness, passion and generosity to the day. The future of politics is stronger when more women are part of it.

18/05/2026

A phrase we come back to again and again; IF YOU CARE YOU’RE QUALIFIED.

Caring is the first qualification. The rest you learn on the way.

We believe that when you care about your community, you’re qualified to help guide and lead it.

Politics needs more women who are ready to reshape the future and create impact.

So step in, speak up, and get involved.

If you CARE you ARE qualified.

15/05/2026

The UK 2026 election is a reminder that progress is never guaranteed.

Here in Australia, we have an opportunity to keep building momentum. With just 6 months to the Victoria State Election and 10 months until the NSW State Election.

Our goal is clear a 50:50 split of women and men on VIC and NSW ballot papers.

If you find this data concerning, now is the time to get curious and explore how you can get involved.

Address

Sydney, NSW
2000

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