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Across Australia, women in Local Government play a vital role in shaping communities, driving policy, and delivering essential services. Despite this, women are still underrepresented in management and leadership in the sector.
New research from Women & Leadership Australia highlights the challenges facing women leaders in both the public and private sectors. The findings reveal that while 89% of women are eager to develop their leadership skills, 94% face significant obstacles to career advancement. The most common barriers include limited career progression opportunities (51%), lack of mentorship (50%), and lack of management support (39%). Gender bias (38%) and an unsupportive workplace culture (37%) also remain major challenges.
These findings make one thing clear: ambition is not the issue – systemic barriers such as limited access to development opportunities are. That’s why structured leadership programs play a crucial role in supporting women’s leadership growth.
To ensure Local Government benefits from the full potential of its workforce, targeted leadership development programs are critical. That’s why Women & Leadership Australia is offering a new round of scholarships to support women in Local Government who are ready to take the next step in their careers.
The power of investing in women’s development
Decades of research and practice demonstrate that investing in leadership development for women has far-reaching benefits – not just for individual participants but for workplaces and communities as a whole. Building leadership capacity among women in Local Government ensures decision-making reflects the diverse communities they serve.
To counteract the barriers women face, targeted leadership programs equip them with the skills, networks, and confidence to advance their careers. Women & Leadership Australia, a national leader in gender equity and leadership training, has been at the forefront of addressing these challenges.
The effectiveness of these programs is evident:
- 9-in-10 graduates report increased confidence to pursue senior leadership roles;
- More than 90% of participants improve their ability to lead workplace change;
- Nearly 80% become more effective at providing feedback;
- Three-quarters enhance their conflict management skills;
- Nearly 8-in-10 see career progression improvements after completing the program.
With nearly 80% of past participants seeing career progression improvements, investing in leadership development is not just beneficial for individuals – it strengthens leadership pipelines within councils and local agencies.
Safe spaces for learning and growth
Women’s leadership programs foster safe spaces where participants can build skills and networks without the biases often present in mixed-gender settings. Research shows these environments are essential for confidence-building and long-term career success.
According to the Workplace Gender Equality Agency, persistent gender disparities in pay and leadership roles demonstrate the ongoing need for structured interventions like these programs. Without targeted leadership development initiatives, gender equity in leadership will not happen in our lifetime or even the next generations.
Scholarships supporting women in Local Government
To help more women access leadership development opportunities, Women & Leadership Australia is offering a new round of Local Government scholarships for 2025. These scholarships support women looking to advance their leadership skills while continuing their essential work in local communities.
Scholarships are available from $1,000 to $5,000 for one of four leadership programs:
- Impact Program ($1,000 scholarship): For women at any career level seeking to enhance workplace effectiveness;
- Leading Edge Program ($1,000 scholarship): Designed for early-career and aspiring leaders to establish foundational leadership qualities;
- Executive Ready Program ($3,000 scholarship): Tailored for mid-level and experienced leaders to hone the skills to lead highly effective teams;
- Advanced Leadership Program ($5,000 scholarship): Aimed at ambitious senior and executive-level leaders looking to push the boundaries of their capabilities.
These programs are designed to fit alongside full-time roles, ensuring that participants can continue to develop their leadership skills without disrupting their professional responsibilities. Whether you’re an aspiring leader, a mid-career professional, or a senior executive in local government, these programs are designed to help you build the skills and confidence to advance your leadership journey.
Building a future with more women in leadership
Women’s leadership development is more than just a personal or professional investment – it is a critical step toward creating more diverse, equitable, high-performing teams that are representative of the community they serve. By providing targeted leadership training and fostering supportive learning environments, Women & Leadership Australia is actively working with organisations to help break down the barriers that have in the past women back from leadership positions.
For women seeking to take the next step in their careers, now is the time to invest in leadership growth. With the right support, networks, and skills, more women can thrive in leadership roles and drive meaningful change in their industries and communities.
Scholarship applications are now open – apply early to secure your place.
