CALL FOR APPLICATIONS | Women Shaping Security in the AI Era Fellowship
Are you an early- or mid-career woman based in Islamabad or Rawalpindi who wants to build a career in security, strategy, policy, or emerging technologies?
NESST is delighted to announce applications for “Women Shaping Security in the AI Era Fellowship” – a pro bono fellowship-style capacity-building programme designed to identify, mentor, and equip the next generation of women leaders in the security domain.
Today’s security environment is changing rapidly. Artificial intelligence, cyber threats, emerging technologies, strategic competition, and evolving geopolitical dynamics demand a new generation of policy professionals who can think critically, write persuasively, and contribute meaningfully to national and international security discussions. Yet, women continue to be underrepresented in these conversations.
Through this initiative, NESST aims to create a vibrant community of women who are not only interested in security but are also equipped with the practical skills required to influence policy and research.
What will you gain?
This is not a classroom-based training programme. It is a practical, hands-on learning experience where participants will:
🔹 Learn directly from experts working in security and strategic affairs.
🔹 Receive training in policy analysis, strategic thinking, and professional research.
🔹 Strengthen their analytical writing and policy memo drafting skills.
🔹 Participate in discussions on contemporary security challenges, including AI, emerging technologies, strategic competition, and related policy issues.
🔹 Take part in an exclusive in-person workshop and simulation exercise, designed to provide practical exposure to real-world policy decision-making.
🔹 Become part of an emerging network of women working across security, strategy, technology, and policy.
🔹 Receive a Certificate of Completion upon successfully completing all programme requirements.
Most importantly, participants will leave the programme with practical experience, professional mentorship, stronger writing skills, and a valuable network – assets that can support future careers in academia, think tanks, government, international organizations, and policy research.
What is expected from participants?
Learning is a two-way commitment.
Selected fellows are expected to actively participate in the online sessions, attend the in-person workshop, engage in discussions, and complete assigned readings and exercises.
Each participant will also prepare a high-quality Policy Memo on an assigned security topic under the guidance of mentors and trainers.
Who should apply?
We welcome applications from early- and mid-career women working or studying in:
- Strategic Studies
- International Relations
- Security Studies
- Nuclear Security & Nonproliferation
- Artificial Intelligence
- Emerging Technologies
- Export Controls
- Public Policy
- Defence and related disciplines
Whether you are a researcher, academic, graduate student, think tank professional, policy analyst, civil servant, or simply passionate about security, we encourage you to apply.
Application Requirements
Please send the following documents to:
- An updated CV
- A one-page Letter of Interest explaining why you are the best candidate for this programme
- One sample policy/report write-up
- One research article or academic writing sample (published or unpublished)
📅 Deadline Extended to
14 August 2026
📍 Eligibility: Women based in Islamabad & Rawalpindi
💻 Format: Online training with one in-person workshop and simulation exercise in Islamabad
💡 A Note About the Programme
This programme is offered entirely free of charge (pro bono) by NESST. There is no participation fee, and no stipend or financial remuneration will be provided. Instead, selected participants will gain something equally valuable: practical skills, hands-on policy experience, mentorship from experts, professional networking opportunities, and a certificate recognizing their successful completion of the programme.
If you are ready to challenge yourself, strengthen your expertise, and join a growing community of women shaping the future of security, we encourage you to apply.
The future of security needs more women at the table. Let yours be one of those voices.
