WIIS-A: Meet the Expert Q&A with Shata Shetty

Following WIIS-A's engaging e-discussion with guest expert Shatabhisha Shetty, Executive Director of the Asia-Pacific Leadership Network, we were delighted to continue our conversation with her in a more relaxed, off-the-record Q&A session. This blog post captures our members' questions and Shata's thoughtful and insightful responses, with anonymity provided to questioners.

Q: To what extent do you think that the lack of diversity in the nuclear field impacts on the policy issues, and is there a connection to the lack of creative thinking in the field?

Women's contributions to nuclear policy are not just desirable, they are essential. There is a pressing need for greater integration and involvement of women in nuclear policy, particularly in governmental policymaking, international discussions, treaty negotiations, and academia. Shata points to studies that solidify the greater, long-lasting, and fruitful impacts of women's participation in negotiations, underscoring the importance of women professionals.

Women professionals need to be adequately supported for their invisible labor, as they are often oversubscribed. Women still carry the burden of childcare and home care, yet insufficient efforts have been made to support women and their families in achieving gender parity in the workplace. Women should not be deterred from higher levels of leadership following their decision to have children, whether in government or other sectors.

“Initiatives, networks and organisations like WIIS-A are critical.”  They provide a space for women professionals to come together, collaborate, and discuss pressing issues; to support one another. Especially for younger professionals, connecting with peers and forming a support network, gaining career advice from seniors, is invaluable. Organizations help foster both horizontal and vertical connections. With fewer women in the field, there is an expectation to do more. This is why we need to support the next generation, bring them into the field, and increase our numbers to share the load. Shata feels a significant sense of responsibility but is simultaneously hopeful about the progress being made.

Q: Following the discussion on the importance of allyship and mentorship in fostering intersectionality within international security, what advice do you have on confronting micro-aggressions and challenging pre-conceived notions about women in this space?

“I suppose it depends on the context,” Shata says. She asserts that she does not shy away from calling out micro-aggressions, especially through email. This allows for private addressing of the issue, requesting an apology and behavioural changes following misconduct.

There is an art to calling others out. There is no need to be disrespectful, you can still assert yourself candidly through clear and genuine communication. Shata reiterates that not confronting such matters may lead to further persistence.

Remember that you are in the room for a reason. It might be daunting with different dynamics at play, especially when the micro-aggression is carried out by senior professionals in a high-stake setting like a board meeting. In such cases, it is crucial to enter prepared and confident to speak on your area of expertise. If you feel shy or embarrassed (which is totally normal - in fact, a universal experience at times), Shata’s tip is to speak first. Be the first to ask questions. Be the first to contribute to the discussion! This not only helps boosts your confidence but also help asserts your role within meeting.

Q: Coming from an advocacy perspective, with the new securitised spaces within the field of nuclear weapons, how do you deal with these dynamics and create a shared space to work in?

APLN promotes engagement and dialogue. In time of tension surrounding security issues, providing a platform for discourse is vital. Through APLN’s platform, Shata aims to spotlight different perspectives on disarmament by showcasing literature from varying lens.

“The ultimate aim of our advocacy is greater peace and security by reducing nuclear weapons.” Although some view this advocacy as unrealistic, Shata believes connecting people and fostering understanding among diverse groups is powerful. Shata cites the tension between China and the US as a prime example. Refusing to understand different perspectives can lead to a more perilous and confrontational world.

“What do we do in the absence of disarmament?” Extensive dialog facilitates the exploration of risk reduction measures, confidence building measures. Engaging in dialog allows us to assess emerging issues in an innovative way. This is partially why alongside APLN, Shata is looking into other security issues. Nuclear weapons issues cannot be evaluated in isolation with other occurrences within the region. With nuclear security staying a core part, looking at other security challenges allows APLN to have access to more grant opportunities, crucial due to the alarming funding reduction in recent years.

Q: What led to the formation of the Asia-Pacific Women in International Security database?

APLN saw a gap in this resource and wanted to establish a database that is free and accessible. The Women in International Security database was published by APLN in March 2024. This arose because Shata and APLN recognised a lack of similar resources that exists where journalists, academics and policy makers can find a comprehensive list of women experts working on these issues in the Asia Pacific region.

Excitingly, if you know anyone who would like to be added to the database or would like to add yourself, feel free to to reach out to APLN! APLN empowers you and women experts to control how your information is presented in their public database. This also means providing you with full control over who you connect with, as any contact will be facilitated through APLN’s database and notified privately to you. Your security is top of mind. (Note: WIIS-Australia maintains a list of international security experts specific to Australia here.) 

Q: Is there any advice that you want to give young women who want to work in international security?

Adopt a growth mindset in your pursuits. Shata references psychologist Carol Dweck, whose work she admires. A supporter of Dweck’s research, Shata encourages young women in the field to proactively grow and develop, both professionally and personally. It is easy to fall victim to self criticism, especially when you are starting out, filled with doubts and susceptible to the pitfalls of imposter syndrome.

“Failure is an action, not a trait.” Carrying this outlook is salient in fulling partaking in and contributing to the work that most aligns with you. Understanding that your work does not define you, overcoming failure is what matters- it is part of the human experience, enabling growth and learning.

Shata concluded her discussion with the WIIS-A team and our members with a stellar book recommendation. As a person who prefers the written word and an avid reader, Shata urges everyone to read “Invisible Women” by Caroline Criado-Perez. Shata recalls how excited and energised she was after completing the book that she at once wanted to send to it former male bosses, etc. Shata appreciates the book as it unveils the inherent invisible biases in favour of men in all-encompassing areas of life. Whether that’s culture or technology, even the most minute aspects of life are catered to men: Did you know, the iPhone was made to cater to the size of men’s hands rather than women? Bringing more awareness to these inherent biases is important to Shata.

Shata's engaging e-discussion with WIIS-A and our members offered a treasure trove of expertise and personal insights. Her book recommendation, "Invisible Women," perfectly reflects the conversation's core themes, serving as a lasting reminder of the importance of inclusive perspectives in nuclear security.

Blog post written by WIIS-A Research Assistant Lannah Luu