Applications are now open for the second round of the Women Leading Locally program.
The Victorian Government has a target of having at least 50 per cent women councillors and mayors in local government by 2025.
As part of its commitment to having women comprise 50 per cent of councillors by 2025, the Victorian Government is funding the Women Leading Locally program.
This program provides participants with resources and inspiration to campaign in the 2024 local government elections.
Women Leading Locally encourages women of all backgrounds to step forward, step up and take the opportunity to develop their leadership potential.
Women Leading Locally is being delivered by the Institute of Community Directors Australia (ICDA) in partnership with Women for Election.
125 places will be offered to women living in the 31 council areas with the highest need to encourage women to stand for local office.
Young women, women who are Aboriginal, live with a disability, are from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds or identify as LGBTQI+ are especially encouraged to apply.
Sixty women were enrolled in the 2022 program, which commenced in August. A further sixty-five places are now available, with applications open until 14 April 2023. The 2023 program will commence in June.
As well as developing leadership skills, Women Leading Locally also provides ongoing connections, mentoring, and motivation for participants to keep up the pace all the way to the 2024 elections.
Participants are also eligible to receive a Certificate in Community Leadership and Governance (Local Government).
Find out more from ICDA and apply here.
You can also contact Local Government Victoria at wilgvic@ecodev.vic.gov.au.