Hilary is a PhD candidate at the Australian National University’s Department of Pacific Affairs, her research draws from the disciplines of development studies, anthropology and sociology. For more than 15 years, Hilary has worked as a researcher, development practitioner and consultant in the Pacific region. Her research, policy and practice work have focused on the issues of gender equality and social inclusion as well as social policy particularly social protection. With a focus on women and social protection in the Pacific, her research examines cash transfer programs that aim to support women’s unpaid care work. Her research explores the relationship between social protection, culture and development and focuses on three country case studies of the Cook Islands, Fiji and the Marshall Islands. Her broad research interests include inequality, development and social change.