As Australia heads toward the 2025 Federal Election, the spotlight is increasingly on women who are reshaping the political landscape. With growing calls for gender equity, transparency, and diverse representation, female candidates are stepping forward with bold visions and transformative policies.
This article highlights the significance of women in politics, introduces key female candidates to watch in the 2025 election, and explores how their leadership could influence Australia’s future.
The Growing Role of Women in Politics
1. A Push for Gender Equity
Despite progress, women remain underrepresented in Australian politics. As of 2023, women make up just over 38% of the House of Representatives and 56% of the Senate. Efforts to achieve gender parity have led to greater focus on increasing female participation in all levels of government.
(Read more: Australian Human Rights Commission)
2. Addressing Gender-Specific Challenges
Women in politics often face unique challenges, including:
- Lack of institutional support.
- Gender bias and scrutiny in media coverage.
- Balancing career aspirations with societal expectations.
(Learn more: Women for Election Australia)
3. Driving Change Through Representation
Research shows that female leaders bring fresh perspectives to issues like education, healthcare, gender equality, and climate change. They are often at the forefront of addressing systemic inequalities and advocating for inclusive policies.
Why Women Candidates Matter in 2025
1. Diverse Voices for Complex Issues
Women candidates bring diversity of thought, ensuring that political discourse reflects the experiences of all Australians.
2. Stronger Focus on Social Issues
Female leaders often champion social justice issues such as affordable childcare, gender pay equity, and family violence prevention, which are critical for many voters.
3. Breaking Down Barriers
High-profile female candidates inspire the next generation of women and girls to consider leadership roles, fostering long-term societal change.
(Explore: Plan International Australia)
Female Candidates to Watch in the 2025 Election
1. Zali Steggall (Warringah)
A former Olympian and lawyer, Zali Steggall is known for her strong stance on climate change and political transparency. Representing the Sydney seat of Warringah, Steggall has been a vocal advocate for renewable energy policies and integrity in government.
2. Lidia Thorpe (Independent, Victoria)
A proud First Nations woman, Lidia Thorpe is a passionate advocate for Indigenous rights and environmental protection. Her focus on truth-telling, treaty processes, and climate justice resonates with progressive voters.
3. Helen Haines (Indi)
Helen Haines, an independent MP from Victoria, champions rural and regional issues, including improved healthcare access and community-driven renewable energy projects. Her pragmatic approach has earned her respect across the political spectrum.
4. Senator Mehreen Faruqi (Greens, NSW)
As Australia’s first Muslim woman senator, Mehreen Faruqi has broken barriers while advocating for education reform, racial justice, and climate action. Her policies focus on equity and inclusion.
(Learn more: The Greens)
5. Anne Ruston (Liberal, SA)
A seasoned politician, Anne Ruston has been instrumental in shaping health policies, particularly around aged care and mental health. As a leading voice in the Liberal Party, Ruston continues to focus on pragmatic solutions to complex challenges.
Policies Women Candidates Are Championing
1. Climate Action
Many female candidates prioritize bold climate policies, pushing for renewable energy investments and stronger emissions reductions targets.
2. Workplace Equality
From addressing the gender pay gap to improving parental leave policies, women candidates are advocating for systemic workplace reforms.
3. Healthcare and Education
Affordable childcare, better access to education, and improved mental health services are often key planks in their platforms.
(Explore: Australian Women’s Health Network)
The Challenges Ahead
1. Systemic Barriers
While female representation is improving, systemic barriers, including unequal preselection processes and limited campaign funding, persist.
2. Media Bias
Female candidates often face disproportionate scrutiny from the media, with a focus on appearance or personal lives rather than policies and achievements.
3. Public Perception
Despite progress, there remains resistance in some quarters to women in leadership, requiring ongoing efforts to challenge stereotypes.
(Read more: The Conversation)
How Voters Can Support Women in Politics
1. Get Informed
Learn about female candidates in your electorate and understand their policies. Use resources like AEC’s candidate directory.
2. Amplify Their Voices
Share information about female candidates and their platforms on social media to increase visibility and engagement.
3. Volunteer or Donate
Support grassroots campaigns by volunteering or donating to women-led initiatives like Women for Election Australia.
What’s at Stake in 2025?
1. Gender Parity
Electing more women to parliament is essential for achieving true gender equity in Australian politics.
2. Transformative Policies
Female candidates are often at the forefront of transformative policies that address critical social and environmental issues.
3. A More Inclusive Future
Increasing female representation paves the way for a more inclusive political system that reflects the diversity of Australian society.
(Learn more: UN Women Australia)
Conclusion: A Turning Point for Women in Politics?
The 2025 Federal Election offers a unique opportunity to increase female representation in Australia’s political landscape. By championing diverse voices and transformative policies, women candidates are shaping a brighter, more equitable future for all Australians.
Which female leaders inspire you the most? Share your thoughts in the comments or join the conversation online.
External Resources
See Also: The Rise of Independent Candidates in the 2025 Election
