Women urged to run for council

A local woman taking part in a program designed to get more females on to councils across Victoria has urged other women interested in community leadership to join the “challenging and inspirational” course.

Community engagement specialist Michelle Cowan said the Women Leading Locally fellowship was an amazing opportunity for participants to learn leadership and governance skills in the company of other talented women.

The Victorian Government initiative delivered by the Institute of Community Directors Australia aims to significantly increase the number of women serving as councillors by giving them the skills and knowledge they need as elected community representatives.

“It really does challenge you in ways that test you, which is a good thing to do because running for council is not something that should be taken lightly – but we do need more women on council,” Ms Cowan said.

“Everything we can do to equip women with the confidence to take on these really important representative roles in the community is important.”

The 12-month fellowship program includes online training and workshops covering campaigning, leadership and governance, capped off with face-to-face support events delivered by accomplished women from Women for Election, a non-partisan, not-for-profit group dedicated to inspiring women to run for office.

Ms Cowan has not yet decided whether or not she will run for election but said the program would equip her, and the other women involved, with the skills and knowledge needed to make the right decision at the right time.

“Women are often quick to say, ‘I couldn’t do this’ until they think, ‘who else would do it and why not me?’” she said.

“Serving on council demands high-level professionalism and commitment and this course helps you understand that there’s a lot more to it than just turning up at meetings.”

Women Leading Locally is supporting 125 women from 31 targeted Victorian municipalities, including Wodonga, to potentially become councillors and/or mayors.

Applications for the 2023 fellowship round are open until April 14.