WOMEN in rural and regional communities who are already doing “nine-tenths” of what it takes to be a good politician, without getting paid for it, are among those being targeted by a new campaign to achieve gender equality in Australian politics.

Women for Election, a non-partisan educational organisation, is launching national candidate training program, EQUIP: Power Edition, in regional Queensland later this month ahead of next year’s local and state government elections.

CEO Licia Heath (pictured below) told the Caller many women in rural and remote communities already had the skills needed for public office, but were often reluctant to dive into the political process.

“It’s a very opaque process and what we’ve realised is the more transparent that we make the whole process from A to Z the more likely that particularly women are to step into it,” Heath said.

“Having trained over 3000 women in recent years, we’ve witnessed first-hand how many women effectively wield power positively in their communities.

“Typically in volunteer roles – which are very noble roles – but often they’re doing nine tenths of what a good political representative does, but in a volunteer capacity.

“Women for Election understands the barriers that exist for women to get elected and this program will demystify the process and address those barriers so you feel ready and capable to run for elected office.”

Click HERE to read the full article by Caitlin Crowley