Cohort for political pathways growing in the NT
Fifteen women from across the Northern Territory, representing a diverse range of backgrounds and political perspectives, convened at the Charles Darwin University Alice Springs campus for the beginning of the 2026 Northern Territory Pathways to Politics program.
With strong participation relative to the Territory’s population, the diverse cohort reflects the significant interest in political participation among women across the NT, with participants travelling from across the Territory to take part in the program.
The cohort spent two days in Alice Springs gaining insights, skills and knowledge from current and former politicians, advisors, speechwriters and more.
Participant Maria Ioannou, who is a Country Liberal Party executive officer, said that the course offered practical skills that helped her feel more confident in the work she was already doing and has given her inspiration for the future.
“I feel more confident with the skills and knowledge I have learned here. They are very applicable to my work and have inspired me to look further into my own political career,” Ms Ioannou said.
Bernie Cummins, who has a diverse background in health, said she took the course to help her learn how to deliver and drive influence, but is taking so much more away.
“Not only have I been given the tools and confidence to support my political aspirations, but I have also been connected to an inspiring network of women who I know I can reach out to for support or advice along the way,” Ms Cummins said.
“I hope that more women are inspired to take this course or become a mentor, as I believe you can’t be what you can’t see.”
The cohort will now connect with the other participants from across Australia through national online sessions.
The NT cohort will finish their course in Darwin, where all participants will present their stump speech and attend a graduation ceremony.
The Pathways to Politics program is a national, non-partisan program that aims to remove barriers for women who are serious about driving change through political leadership and was developed through the University of Melbourne, Trawalla Foundation and Women’s Leadership Institute Australia.
The program has seen 97 electoral successes across local, state and federal levels of government since it launched in 2016. At the last Northern Territory Election in 2024, five program graduates ran for office.
The program is fully funded from the generous support of philanthropic and university partners.