Leadership for WomenAUSTRALIAN LEADERSHIP RESOURCE
For girls, families and schools

Start leading before your first job.

Try a program, take responsibility for a project and learn by doing. These opportunities vary by location, age, cost and intake. Confirm details directly with each provider.

Illustration of four fictional young women collaborating on a project
Illustrative generated image; the people shown are fictional.
Skills to build

Pick two skills. Practise on one real project.

You do not need to master every leadership skill. Listening, planning, speaking, budgeting and teamwork all help in different settings. Try one strength and one skill you want to develop, then collect a small example of what you did.

Explore the 12 optional skills

For younger teens: begin here

Six short guides help ages 12–15 take a first practical step. Activities can be done through a school, club or supervised community group.

Leadership ideas for ages 12 to 15Open the guide →A first leadership project plannerOpen the guide →Public speaking for younger teensOpen the guide →Compare programs for younger teensOpen the guide →Teamwork and leadership for teensOpen the guide →Ask a mentor for useful adviceOpen the guide →

Programs and activities

Girl Guides Australia

Who it suits: Ages 5–17

Girl-led activities, patrols and shared decision-making. The Queen’s Guide Award, from age 13, includes leadership and service challenges.

Check the provider’s current details →

Queen’s Guide Award

Who it suits: Guides aged 13+

An award focused on organising, leading, service and individual challenges. Ask a local Girl Guides group how to begin.

Check the provider’s current details →

Academy for Enterprising Girls

Who it suits: School delivery

Australian Government-supported entrepreneurship activities delivered through participating schools; ask a teacher whether your school offers it.

Check the provider’s current details →

Technovation Girls

Who it suits: Ages 8–18

Teams develop a technology solution for a community problem, building a product and pitch. Check the current season and local participation options.

Check the provider’s current details →

Robogals

Who it suits: Primary and secondary school

Local chapters run engineering and technology workshops, often through schools. Check chapter availability.

Check the provider’s current details →

Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

Who it suits: Ages 14–24

Structured activities in skills, volunteering, physical recreation and a team adventure; participation often starts through a school or other award centre. Open to all genders.

Check the provider’s current details →

Young Change Agents: $20 Boss

Who it suits: School delivery

Students develop and run a small enterprise through an educator-led program. Open to all genders; ask the school about delivery.

Check the provider’s current details →

Start at school or in your community

  1. Ask to organise one activity: a club event, sports session, fundraiser or community project.
  2. Set a small goal, a budget and a date. Share the tasks and record what actually happened.
  3. Ask a teacher or group leader for specific feedback and try a second project with a bigger team.

Reviewed 23 September 2026. Program details can change. If you are under 18, ask a parent, carer or teacher to help check suitability, fees and safeguarding arrangements before joining.