Sheshadri Kottearachchi has worked extensively in the field of communications with a focus on international development and gender. A former UN Youth Delegate, she has previously worked for the World Food Programme, Oxfam, UNICEF and UNDP. Sheshadri is an alumna of the University of Oxford, LSE and University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka. Asian Voice reached out to Sheshadri Kottearachchi for an exclusive interview about being an independent Asian woman, women and advocacy. Here are few excerpts:
Please talk about your work in the development sector. How much of it is related to South Asians across the globe?
My work in the development sector was based in communications and social-media management, where my initial experience was as an intern supporting youth development programmes. Thereafter I worked my way as a focal point for cross-cutting projects focusing on thematic areas such as gender, disaster risk resilience, food security and child protection. While I was supporting incredible teams working with rural, impoverished communities, I was able to understand and assess the importance of effective communication tools used in a variety of situations. During this time, I was fortunate to have worked on projects requiring extensive field research which gave me an added insight into the 'lived-realities' of communities we were working with.
Most of my experiences, while based in Sri Lanka, are reflective of challenges common to the South Asian region (and perhaps, beyond) such as gender-based violence, reproductive and menstrual health education, WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene), proper nutrition practises and climate-change resilience activities. The underlying purpose of all the development projects I've been a part of was to alleviate poverty, and provide vulnerable and marginalized people with access to basic needs to improve their quality of life. This premise sounds ideal and simple, however, the processes that work towards achieving it can be complex and at times, convoluted. I've found that creative and inclusive communications can play an interesting and engaging role in enabling this.
What led you to taking this up as a career? What kind of subjects did you study and how did you manage all logistics as an independent girl?
Independence as a woman growing up in South Asia is a challenging aspiration. I'm aware and greatly humbled by how fortunate I am to have had the autonomy to pursue my own interests, both personally and professionally. In many ways this has compelled me to do so for others.
I briefly dabbled in the sciences with every intention of entering the medical sector, however my academic background eventually led to double degrees in English literature and international relations. As a fresh graduate, this was an interesting combination with several unexpected overlaps that came to fruition once I started volunteering and interning for development programmes. Somewhere along the line, my studies in Complex Humanitarian Emergencies complimented my many readings of Sense and Sensibility; two attributes that arguably are of great value when handling a crisis situation.
Managing logistics was never easy, but I've come to the realization that (as cliche as it may sound) when you're truly passionate about the work that you're involved in, you will by any means do what needs to be done. There were many years of hard work, dedication and re-emerging from several setbacks that have helped guide my journey forward. I like to maintain short-term goals and long-term aspirations; aiming as high as I can, but also (paradoxically) within reasonable means. I've learned that it is good to be rooted to reality since most of my work has included having to face grim realities in order to successfully overcome them. However, it never hurts to have extraordinary ambitions at the same time.
While working for women and advocacy, what has been your biggest challenge and the most important takeaway?
Being involved in communications and media management, particularly with regard to advocacy and educational campaigning, I've found that social media has continuously played a defining and ever-evolving role in strengthening spaces for activists. It is such a versatile tool. This is especially true for marginalized, minority voices; to sound their opinions, grievances and solidarity towards various causes. In many ways, social media is shattering existing hierarchies within traditional media and our generation is in the thick of it. This is both exciting and challenging, as we are persistently 'catching up' to changing audiences, technologies and unprecedented risks.
Online activism stems from well-intended objectives, but they are not without their gaps and biases. Advocacy should ideally be more than 'lip service,' which is undoubtedly challenging, as online spaces can easily become crowded echo-chambers influenced by majority opinions, politics and market trends. There is a fine line between awareness and impact; something that social media users will tend to notice more often. In the process of implementing online platforms and ensuring that virtual messaging reaches offline communities, I've found that the most challenging aspect is the process of both learning and un-learning aspects of feminism, intersectionality and inclusivity along the way. Sometimes it is less important to be correct and more important to be considerate; especially when dealing with cultural and social sensitivities. The most important takeaway I've found is being open to accepting new information critically and empathetically.
Can you briefly share a few learnings or case studies or any data for our readers?
My favourite learnings have been through my field work, capturing the resilience of women, men and children; often in the aftermath of extreme disasters. In 2017, Sri Lanka faced disastrous extreme weather conditions. In the immediate aftermath of the disasters (flooding, landslides) I participated in several data-gathering visits focusing on last-mile communities who were the worst-impacted. Trekking over impossible hills, through dense undergrowth, the team met with several families in quiet villages, to offer support and identify their immediate needs. It was during this time that I truly understood the spirit of resilience; even in the wake of impossible situations. Speaking with families who had lost everything they owned, it was evident that even in the face of grave losses, they were prepared to rebuild and regain their homes and livelihoods. What may have seemed impossible, was merely another opportunity at reclaiming normalcy.
People are capable of great things, and oftentimes require a steady push forward to help them attain this; which is, in my opinion, the ultimate goal of the development sector and the people working within it. Our role is to make this easier, streamlined and more accessible to the most vulnerable segments of society. As an undergraduate, a publication that left a lasting impression on me was ‘A Bed for the Night,’ (2002) where David Rieff speaks on how “the deep radicalism of humanitarian action is its belief that people are not made to suffer.” It was this belief that would compel me to explore the theoretical strengths and weaknesses within the humanitarian system, and how it functions towards ensuring heightened effectiveness and longevity. Hailing from a nation that experienced 30-years of civil war, a tsunami and continues to mitigate countless extreme weather-related disasters (and now, a pandemic), I have witnessed the impact of humanitarian crises, the lasting effect they leave in their aftermath, and how carefully planned directives are crucial to support vulnerable persons.
As a woman from South Asia, what do you think young girls need in terms of support (financial, emotional or of any other kind) to become like you?
South Asian girls and women find themselves beneath several metaphorical layers of restraint. This is by no fault of their own. I could go into great lengths, critiquing the archaic beliefs, morales and systematic constraints that continue to enrich patriarchal, discriminatory treatment towards women (and men) but I believe that the current situation of many South Asian girls will speak (loudly, and indignantly) on my behalf.
First and foremost, young girls need self-assurance. They need confidence within themselves to enable them to begin to aspire. We are systematically diminished. Constantly reminded of what we can't, shouldn't, mustn't do; a mantra that is normalized, then internalized, and holds us back from reaching our fullest potential. Many young South Asian women will take years to outgrow this mentality; losing several valuable opportunities along the way. Secondly, we need support systems; where we cannot find them, we must create them. These can be in the form of friends, partners, family and colleagues; individuals who are self-aware, open to critical thought and generous in their support and empathy. Of course, the wish-list of support systems is an extensive one, but I believe that these two areas are reasonable starting points to actualize better support for young girls stepping into the world.
